The 79-year-old would deserve a nap — if he didn't hold the most powerful position in the world. Life in this role is not easy for the US president. The Republican faces serious trouble on many fronts. Even before Christmas, the situation could become really dangerous.
On September 2, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth—who calls himself “Secretary of War”—ordered the shooting down of a Venezuelan fishing boat believed to be carrying drugs. Nine people died, two survived and clung to the remains of the boat. However, Hegseth's order was: “kill them all”. The Americans fired a second missile and also killed two survivors.
According to experts, this is a war crime. Hegseth faces criminal trial. If convicted, Trump's band of loyalists will lose another prominent figure.
Secondly, the problem with customs duties
The Supreme Court may decide this month whether Trump's punitive tariffs are illegal and must be immediately lifted. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says tariffs could be reintroduced in another way. However, if the conservative majority of Supreme Court justices (six Republicans and three Democrats) decide against Trump, it will be a disadvantage for him. international embarrassment.
Third, MAGA before the split
Supporters of the slogan “Make America Great Again” [Uczyńmy Amerykę znów wielką] for a long time they gave the impression of a monolithic group. However, there are already clear cracks in the movement.
Not least since ultraconservative Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene openly opposed Trump. She criticized the president, among others. for his opposition to the publication of Epstein's files. Congresswoman from Georgia will resign from his position at the end of the year as a sign of protest. Her case shows that Trump cannot count even on his supposedly most ardent supporters.
Fourth, the poll results
According to a new poll conducted by the Gallup public opinion research institute, only one-third of Americans (36%) are satisfied with their president. A year before the by-elections, the situation seems to be getting out of control. This week, Republicans received another deep red warning [tradycyjnie republikańskim] Tennessee's 7th Congressional District during the House of Representatives midterm elections. Their candidate won by only 9 percentage points over his democratic rival. Trump won this district with 22 percent.
US President Donald TrumpPete Marovich/Getty Images
Fifth, inflation
The biggest concern of Americans there is inflation. Trump has not managed to master it so far. This is evidenced by changes in prices of various everyday goods. According to Fox News, 46 percent Americans blame Trump for difficult times.
The president is launching a new campaign tour of the United States on Tuesday to draw attention to his alleged successes in the fight against inflation. He notes that a year before by-elections many no longer believe that he will be able to fulfill his promises.
Republicans would need to win the midterm elections to protect Trump from another impeachment trial. If the House of Representatives goes to Democrats, such a procedure will probably take place. If two-thirds of the Senate votes to impeach (e.g. on grounds of incapacity to hold office), Trump will be gone. It would be a historic event.
Sixth, the Epstein files
The most serious recent concern: in two weeks (December 19), the Department of Justice must publish evidence regarding Jeffrey Epstein. There are admittedly some legal loopholes that allowed Trump-loyal Attorney General Pam Bondi to obfuscate incriminating fragments.
One thing is certain, however: Trump is mentioned repeatedly in Epstein's files. This damages his reputation, even if the president has committed no crime. The Epstein case is unlikely to cost him his position. However, the most powerful man in the world will have to give up relaxing holidays and peaceful thoughts this year.