Donald J. Trump began his second term as the 47th President of the USA on January 20, 2025, bringing with him a renewed focus on government efficiency and immediate action on pre-election promises. On January 21, Trump signed numerous executive orders, including exiting the Paris Climate Agreement and rethinking birthright citizenship, which have sparked polarized reactions [9ee60162]. Historical data shows that economic performance under Trump from 2017 to 2019 yielded better GDP growth compared to the Obama administration (2014-2016) and the Biden administration (2022-2024). Inflation rates were notably higher during Biden's term, raising questions about the effectiveness of current economic policies [87611629].
Trumpism, as analyzed by Prof. Murray Hunter, is more than just a political movement; it encapsulates Trump's life experiences, idealism, and his skills as an entertainer and businessman. He aims to run the U.S. as the greatest corporation, leaving a lasting legacy through the MAGA movement. His ideology draws from Jacksonian values and Judeo-Christian principles, emphasizing state autonomy and common sense [ea11e4bd].
In light of these developments, several countries are adopting a 'shrink government' approach to improve economic performance. For instance, Argentina's President Javier Milei successfully reduced the number of government ministries from 19 to 8, resulting in a budget surplus. Similarly, Vietnam plans to cut its government bodies from 30 to 21 [87611629].
In the U.S., Trump announced the creation of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which will be led by prominent figures such as Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy. This initiative aims to modernize federal technology and cut spending, reflecting Trump's focus on practicalities and efficiency in governance [ea11e4bd].
In South Africa, the Government of National Unity (GNU) faces challenges such as a stagnant economy and must prioritize common-sense policies to address issues like energy crises and healthcare reforms. Observers suggest that Trump's abrasive leadership style could offer lessons for the GNU, particularly in balancing bold actions with coalition-building [9ee60162].
In the Philippines, there is a parallel movement with the National Government Rightsizing Program (NGRP) bill currently under consideration in Congress. Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto has assured that there will be no tax hikes associated with this initiative, which aims to enhance government efficiency while maintaining fiscal responsibility [87611629].
Additionally, a tobacco tax moratorium bill has been filed in response to a survey by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) indicating an increase in smoking incidence from 18.5% in 2021 to 23.2% in 2023. The rise in tobacco taxes has led to increased illegal sales, ultimately reducing tax revenues, highlighting the complexities of taxation policies [87611629].
As the Philippines navigates these changes, the potential for economic growth through government efficiency initiatives could align with global trends, providing opportunities for the nation to enhance its economic landscape amidst shifting political climates [87611629]. Trump's second administration promises to be different, focusing on practicalities and efficiency, while his past experiences may guide his future actions [ea11e4bd].