Donald Trump is being urged to slow down on some of his key plans to avoid losing the support of voters who are still uncertain about him.
In a blunt editorial from the Wall Street Journal opinion page, the editors reminded the president-elect, who takes office on Monday, that “half the country still dislikes him” and that he needs to tread carefully... Continue reading here ▶
“Mr. Trump has some political room to maneuver, but it’s not unlimited,” they wrote. “His victory was solid, but not a landslide, and the GOP’s narrow majority in the House means just a few rebellious members could block his agenda. If he pushes too far beyond what voters expect, he could quickly face trouble.”
The editors supported Trump’s plan to deport undocumented immigrants who have committed crimes but warned against going too far. “If this also means midnight raids on restaurant workers or separating mothers from their children, the political backlash could be swift.”
They also cautioned Trump against pursuing risky diplomatic deals. “His biggest challenge could come from his efforts to negotiate with adversaries,” they said. “For example, Trump won’t end the Ukraine war overnight, but if he makes a deal that heavily favors Russia, it could become his version of Biden’s chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan.”
They also raised concerns about Trump’s approach to China, particularly regarding Taiwan. “Trump’s first-term comments about the U.S. defending Taiwan being unlikely are well known to Chinese leader Xi Jinping. If Trump reimposes tariffs, China might retaliate by blockading Taiwan or seizing nearby islands. How would Trump respond to avoid war? Would he let Xi take control of Taiwan?”
The editorial concluded with a warning: “If Trump focuses on settling scores instead of improving the economy, Democrats will dominate the 2026 midterms, and progressives will take back power with a vengeance in 2028. A second chance at the presidency would be a terrible opportunity to waste.”
