Trump’s Triumph Indicates Success—Free from 2016’s Challenges

In the weeks leading up to Donald Trump’s Electoral College victory in 2016, his approval ratings hovered between 35% and 40%.

Throughout his controversial four years in office, he managed to maintain an average approval rating of about 41%.

Looking ahead over the next four years, Trump’s current approval rating is already well over 50%.

His upcoming inauguration is expected to differ significantly from the one in 2016.

During the transition period from 2016 to 2017, Democratic groups aired advertisements urging electors to disregard their states’ popular votes and instead support Hillary Clinton.

On Inauguration Day, massive protests greeted Trump.

Within just four months of taking office, Special Counsel Robert Mueller was appointed to investigate the unfounded claims of Russian collusion.

That extensive 22-month, $40 million investigation ultimately found no collusion, yet it significantly disrupted Trump’s first two years in office.

Following the collusion investigations, there was a relentless campaign to undermine Trump’s presidency, including two impeachments, the laptop “disinformation” narrative, national COVID-19 lockdowns, and media suppression of discussions regarding the virus’s origins from a Chinese lab or the closure of schools.

During the tumultuous summer of 2020, the country saw 120 days marked by riots, arson, looting, assaults, and even murder, culminating in the events of January 6.

In stark contrast, the upcoming Trump transition in 2024-2025 feels as though he has already assumed the presidency.

More than 100 world leaders are vying to be invited to Mar-a-Lago or extend their congratulations to the newly elected Trump.

It’s worth noting that back in 2016, any interaction between Trump transition officials and foreign representatives triggered accusations of violating the “Logan Act.”

So why is the newly elected Trump viewed as a cultural hero in 2024, a stark contrast to the near-demonization he faced eight years ago?

Firstly, Trump is now perceived as a much-needed change.

In contrast, the outgoing President Joe Biden leaves office with a mere 36% approval rating.

Many now consider the policies of Biden’s administration as out of touch.

The left’s push embraced extreme policies like dismantling border security, welcoming millions of undocumented immigrants, promoting controversial critical race theories, and mandating woke/DEI initiatives.

Ironically, Biden inherited a secure border, a rebounding economy post-COVID quarantines, 1.23% inflation, peace abroad, and affordable energy from Trump.

Fast forward four years, and Biden’s presidency is widely regarded as unpopular, with most of his policies polling under 50% approval.

In response, Trump not only promises to restore his prior successes but also aims to expand upon them.

Secondly, Trump is still seen as transparent and full of energy—always willing to engage and meet people anytime, anywhere.

This dynamic stands in stark contrast to the ailing Biden.

The electorate is relieved to find an alternative after four years of a presidency marked by confusion, distraction, and age-related fragility.

Thirdly, even some of his former adversaries begrudgingly admire Trump now, after their futile attempts to bring him down.

He withstood two impeachments, five civil and criminal indictments, constant legal battles, overwhelming negative media coverage, challenges to his presence on state ballots, and two assassination attempts.

Remarkably, these unprecedented hostile actions may have only strengthened him—drawing sympathy from those who see him as a target of fanatical opposition.

Fourthly, Trump has broadened his MAGA base, promoting it as an ecumenical movement that embraces shared class interests rather than outdated tribal or racial narratives.

He has also attracted disillusioned Democrats, independents, and minority voters in ways that the Democrats have failed to reach.

The diverse array of personalities supporting Trump’s campaign—including RFK, Jr., Tulsi Gabbard, Elon Musk, Joe Rogan, Dana White, and Kid Rock—has made it difficult for the left to depict MAGA Republicans as mere right-wing elitists or laissez-faire capitalists.

Fifthly, the endorsements of the Biden-Harris legacy media, established Hollywood figures, academic elites, and tech moguls were proven to be significantly overrated.

In contrast, more popular and influential voices across the internet, including influencers, podcasters, bloggers, and innovative entrepreneurs, emerged.

Lastly, Trump has demonstrated that he is more seasoned, thoughtful, and composed than in 2016, while his campaign team has become more organized and astute, under the guidance of experienced strategist Susan Wiles.

The past year has showcased pivotal moments of Trump as a relatable figure: from posing for a mug shot after a politically motivated legal challenge, to serving customers at McDonald’s, riding in a garbage truck, and passionately rallying against threats to his safety.

When all these previously unimaginable developments are considered, it’s clear that people trust and resonate more with the revamped Trump than with the disgruntled Biden or the inauthentic Vice President Kamala Harris, along with their extreme agendas.

Victor Davis Hanson is a distinguished fellow at the Center for American Greatness.