Trump begins his new term with radical appointments and urgent challenges.

The return of Donald Trump to the White House is marked by a series of appointments that promise to implement a radical and transformative program from day one of his administration, on January 20th. In a context where loyalty to the former president is a common denominator among his appointees, the question arises as to how each of them will address the most controversial policies and promises of the electoral campaign. From border control to foreign relations, these new leaders face the challenging task of translating Trump’s ambitions into concrete actions. One of the first major challenges the Trump administration will face is immigration. Kristi Noem, governor of South Dakota, and Thomas Homan, former director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), have been chosen to lead border policy. The promise of mass deportations could generate tensions both at the state level and among jurisdictions that resist federal policies. Homan, known for his hardline stance during Trump's first term, has advocated for polarizing actions such as family separation. While these strategies are popular among certain segments of the population, social wear and resistance from Democratic states could complicate their implementation. On the other hand, Marco Rubio's appointment as part of the foreign policy team reflects Trump's intention to adopt a more aggressive approach toward China. Rubio, who has openly criticized the Chinese regime and advocated for greater military control in the Pacific, represents a faction that views China as a top-tier threat. However, the administration will also have to navigate a delicate terrain, where Trump’s unpredictability in international relations could generate unexpected tensions, even within his own circle. The inclusion of figures from the tech sector, such as Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, for the creation of the Department of Government Efficiency raises questions about the viability of such proposals. Musk, known for his aversion to bureaucracy, has suggested drastic budget cuts that could challenge Trump's commitments to social programs like Medicare and Social Security. The ambition of the "Doge" is to dismantle what Trump calls the "deep state," but the lack of a formalized framework for this new structure may limit its effectiveness. In the health sector, the appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. presents a challenge to the established narrative surrounding science and medicine in the U.S. Although he has gained support for his critiques of the food system and overregulation, his beliefs in conspiracy theories may clash with the traditional health agenda. Kennedy's influence could reshape public health policies, and his relationship with Trump suggests a possible agenda that questions the validity of certain existing policies. For her part, Tulsi Gabbard, with her military background and opposition to U.S. military intervention, brings a unique perspective to the cabinet. Her role as national intelligence director could result in a reevaluation of foreign policies and a less aggressive approach to certain conflicts. However, her arrival raises concerns about how her positions might clash with the more hawkish views of other team members. Trump's economic team, featuring figures like Howard Lutnick and Michael Bessent, faces the task of balancing radical tariff proposals with the stability of the financial market. Both have shown support for policies that, while well received by some, pose risks in an already fragile economic environment. Trump's vision of using tariffs as a negotiating tool could be seen as both a benefit and a threat to economic growth. As Trump rolls out his plan in these critical areas, the dilemma arises of how to balance the severe policies of his team with the need to maintain social cohesion and popular support. Political polarization in the U.S. means that any misstep could trigger a backlash, complicating his administration’s agenda even further. Moreover, the availability of resources and funding for these initiatives is unclear. The promises of mass deportations and radical budget cuts require logistical and financial support that has not yet been outlined. Uncertainty about how these policies will be implemented could lead to a stalemate or, at best, partial execution. Ultimately, the relationship between the decisions made by this new team and public opinion will be crucial. Promises of radical change may appeal to a loyal base, but they also risk alienating moderate voters. The Trump administration finds itself at a pivotal moment where each step taken could reinforce its base or diminish popular support. The direction the Trump government takes during its next term will largely depend on the cohesion, strategy, and ability of its appointees to navigate a constantly changing political and social landscape. Over time, the success or failure of these policies will be measured not only by the loyalty of his team but also by their ability to adapt to the realities on the ground.