Is Donald Trump Weaker or More Dangerous Now?

Reports show mixed views on Donald Trump's political power. Some think he is becoming less influential, while others warn that a weaker Trump could be more unpredictable. This situation is causing worry, especially for countries like Canada.
By Newsroom | US Politics, International Relations |

Donald Trump's political future is a subject of intense debate, with some suggesting he is becoming a "lame duck" leader whose influence is fading. Others argue that this perceived weakening makes him more unpredictable and potentially more dangerous, especially to allies like Canada. The upcoming period presents a complex scenario, demanding a careful look at his current standing and the implications for international relations.

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The Shifting Sands of Influence

Donald Trump's presidency has been marked by a distinctive approach to power and influence. Reports from late 2025 and early 2026 offer a mixed picture of his current standing. While some observers believe his ability to enact his agenda is diminishing, others warn that his actions may become more erratic and aggressive as his influence wanes.

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Evidence of a "Lame Duck" Status

Several indicators point to a potential decline in Donald Trump's political effectiveness.

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  • Republican Party Dynamics: Recent election losses within the Republican party have led some to question Trump's ongoing sway over the party faithful. There is a visible trend of Republican politicians considering a future beyond Trump's direct influence.

  • Judicial Scrutiny: Trump's policy proposals, such as his tariff schemes and plans to alter birthright citizenship, have reportedly faced challenges in the Supreme Court, suggesting legal roadblocks to his agenda.

  • Internal Party Discontent: Reports indicate that not all members of his party are aligned with his more ambitious goals, such as the desire to overthrow the Venezuelan government. Even staunch supporters, like Marjorie Taylor Greene, have reportedly shown signs of divergence.

  • Diminished Legislative Power: Some analyses suggest that Trump's legislative position is not as strong as in his previous term, potentially limiting his ability to deliver on significant campaign promises. His political power is seen as less potent and expected to erode further over time.

The Specter of an "Enraged" or "Dangerous" Leader

Conversely, arguments are being made that a weakened Trump could pose a greater threat.

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  • Aggressive Rhetoric and Actions: His repeated invocation of the idea of a third term, despite its constitutional improbability, is seen by some analysts as a signal of aggressive intentions. Statements suggesting a willingness to take control of Greenland from Denmark or the Panama Canal are cited as examples of this mindset.

  • Authoritarian Tendencies: Trump's admiration for leaders with long tenures and consolidated power, such as Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, is noted. His past actions, like giving explicit blessings to Erdoğan at a White House press conference, are seen as indicative of a desire for similar unchecked authority.

  • Unpredictability: The perception is that Trump's "twilight" phase makes him unpredictable and dangerous. This lack of predictability is seen as a core risk, particularly for international relations.

  • Dominance as a Guiding Principle: An analytical viewpoint suggests Trump operates on a principle of domination, believing the United States must dominate in all relationships, as it's the only dynamic he understands.

Canada: A Specific Focus of Concern

Canada finds itself at a critical juncture concerning potential actions from a future Trump administration.

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  • Aggressive Stance: Analysts express concern about "something dangerous brewing" regarding U.S.-Canada relations. The repeated discussion of turning Canada into a U.S. state, while not taken literally by all, is interpreted as a precursor to aggressive actions.

  • Potential for Mass Migration: Canada may face the arrival of thousands seeking refuge from Trump's promised crackdown on illegal residents and immigration in the U.S.

  • Need for Comprehensive Planning: To counter potential aggressive actions, it is suggested that Canadian leaders should convene a diverse group of experienced civil servants and national security experts to explore "all potential responses," even those considered unconventional.

Expert Perspectives on Trump's Political Standing

Commentators offer varied interpretations of Donald Trump's current influence.

"He believes in domination and being dominated, and he wants the United States to dominate because that’s the only relationship he can understand.”— David Frum, Staff Writer at The Atlantic

"Whoever takes over as prime minister… needs to be willing to entertain all potential responses to Trump — no matter how 'crazy.'"— Unnamed Analyst quoted by Global News

"If Trump is a lame-duck, he may actually be more dangerous than ever."— Susan Glasser, The New Yorker

Conclusions and Potential Ramifications

The collected reports present a complex picture of Donald Trump's political situation. While evidence suggests his direct political power may be waning in some areas, this perceived weakness could be a precursor to more unpredictable and potentially aggressive actions on the international stage.

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  • Internal Weakening: The Republican party's performance and internal dynamics, coupled with judicial challenges to his policies, suggest a reduced capacity for unfettered action within the U.S.

  • External Threat: Conversely, his persistent authoritarian leanings and past rhetoric indicate a capacity for aggressive external policy, with Canada identified as a specific area of potential concern. The idea that a "lame duck" Trump could be "more dangerous than ever" highlights the paradoxical nature of his influence.

  • Need for Vigilance: The situation underscores the need for careful observation and preparation by affected parties, particularly international allies like Canada, to anticipate and respond to a range of potential actions, from diplomatic pressure to more extreme measures.

Sources

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Donald Trump losing political power?
Some reports suggest his influence is fading, pointing to party changes and court challenges. Others think he is still very strong.
Q: Could a weaker Trump be more dangerous?
Some experts believe that if he feels he has less power, he might act in more surprising or aggressive ways.
Q: How might this affect Canada?
There are worries that Trump could be tougher on Canada or even suggest taking over parts of it. Canada is thinking about how to prepare for different actions.
Q: What do experts say about his leadership?
Experts have different ideas. Some think he is becoming a 'lame duck' leader, while others warn this could make him more unpredictable and a bigger risk.