Second Term for Trump: Is Harris Too Progressive for America?
Trump is back in the White House. What does that mean for America? Victor Vlam, U.S. expert and Tilburg University alumnus, explains. With Trump’s victory over Harris, did we underestimate him yet again?
Trump wins over Harris. Have we underestimated him again?
“It seems that way. Polls had predicted a close race, but Trump emerged as a fairly clear winner. One key reason is that many Trump supporters are reluctant to speak to pollsters, making predictions challenging. This anti-establishment sentiment is strong among his base.”
What does this outcome mean for the United States?
“Trump’s re-election allows him to continue his conservative agenda. Expect stricter immigration policies and a rollback on identity politics—a major focus for the Democrats. Environmental progress will also likely stall. He’s better prepared this time, with a clear set of priorities.”
What impact will Trump’s victory have on Europe?
“A good question. NATO and Ukraine are particularly relevant here. Trump is skeptical about supporting Ukraine, which may increase pressure for an agreement with Russia if U.S. aid decreases.
“The likelihood of America pulling back from NATO is also higher under Trump. This would have serious security implications for Europe. Will it happen? It’s a big step. But it’s becoming clear that Europe cannot always depend on the United States.”
You worked on Obama’s successful campaign. What went wrong for the Democrats this time?
“Kamala Harris didn’t have the chance to build her momentum as a candidate. Biden withdrew late, which meant Harris missed out on the primary elections.
“When her campaign started, it didn’t always feel authentic, partly because she often laughed awkwardly, lacking the conviction and strong profile many Americans seek. In the final stretch, she went after Trump aggressively, comparing him to a fascist or even Hitler. While Trump himself uses harsh rhetoric, the Democrats might have been better off focusing on their own vision for the country rather than criticizing Trump.
“The Democratic Party isn’t what it used to be. When I campaigned for Obama, he held positions that were more centrist—supporting the death penalty, for instance. Harris, however, is much more progressive, even by Dutch standards. For example, she supports gender-affirming surgery for minors, something explicitly prohibited in the Netherlands.”
You’ve met Trump. What was your impression of him?
“Trump is surprisingly charming. That took me by surprise. Unlike his tough talk in speeches, he takes the time to speak with people personally, cracks jokes, and shows genuine interest.”
Do you think he’ll actually govern in an autocratic way?
“It’s hard to say. His first term had moments of concern, like the Capitol riot. But in other critical situations, like the COVID-19 crisis, he didn’t seize full control. His rhetoric has certainly sharpened since then. Whether he’ll truly take anti-democratic steps remains uncertain.
“For many Americans, Trump is simply the lesser of two evils, with his positions resonating more than the Democratic alternative.”
Victor Vlam is an alumnus of Tilburg University. He is a U.S. expert and has also lived in the United States for several years. He worked on the Obama campaign in 2008 and 2012.
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