With fewer than 40 days until Inauguration Day, President-elect Donald Trump is adjusting his approach to key campaign promises. While his “Promises Made, Promises Kept” mantra energized his base throughout the 2024 campaign, Trump is now striking a more tempered tone on major issues like inflation, foreign policy, and government spending.
Political science experts note that managing post-election expectations is common, though Trump’s campaign rhetoric was marked by particularly bold claims. George Mason University professor Jeremy Mayer explained, “The reduction of expectations we see in Trump’s rhetoric is normal. What’s not normal is the wild promises during the election.” He highlighted Trump’s pledge to “easily” resolve international crises as one example.
Trump’s recent interview with Time Magazine, which named him Person of the Year for 2024, showcased this recalibrated approach. Acknowledging the difficulty of tackling inflation, Trump stated, “It’s hard to bring [prices] down once they’re up,” but expressed confidence that improving energy policies and supply chain efficiency would help.
On foreign policy, Trump tempered his stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, admitting it may be more complex to resolve than the Middle East crisis. “I think the Middle East is going to get solved,” he said, while maintaining that the situation in Ukraine remains a tougher challenge.
Yet, Trump remains resolute on several key promises. He has reiterated plans for mass deportations, pardoning Jan. 6 defendants, and significantly downsizing the Department of Education. On the Jan. 6 issue, Trump declared, “We’re going to look at each individual case… and a vast majority of them should not be in jail.”
His transition process is moving swiftly, with nearly all Cabinet nominees named ahead of schedule. Former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi replaced Rep. Matt Gaetz as the attorney general pick after Gaetz failed to secure enough Senate support. Trump has also stood firmly behind defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth, despite allegations of misconduct, signaling his determination to project strength.
Trump’s 2024 victory has received a warmer reception than his first win in 2016, as evidenced by his positive reception at the New York Stock Exchange and the Time honor. A recent CNN poll reflects this shift, with 55% approving of how Trump is handling the transition and a majority confident in his ability to lead.
However, challenges loom. Inflation remains stubborn, with a 2.7% annualized rate last month, and congressional disagreements over government funding could complicate Trump’s legislative agenda, even with Republican control of both chambers.
As Trump prepares to take office once again, his balancing act between bold promises and practical governance is already taking shape.
