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GMTNews Analysis

Against the Grain: Donald Trump, the Establishment, and the Future of American Populism

Donald Trump

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This analysis explores the forces shaping Donald Trump’s strained relationship with political establishments, the strengths that anchor his lasting appeal, and the profound impact a second term could have on U.S. policy and institutions. Will his populist vision reshape America further, or will establishment resistance hold him back?

The polarizing nature of Donald Trump’s political career has sparked intense reactions across the American political landscape. He emerged as a political outsider in 2016, upending conventional norms and challenging established interests in both major political parties, the media, and other facets of what’s often called “the establishment.” Many institutions, from mainstream media outlets to the bureaucracy, the judiciary, and even sections of his own party, have frequently been at odds with Trump, raising questions about his relationship with the establishment.

Below, we’ll examine why these establishments might dislike Trump, analyze his strengths as a political figure, and speculate on how he might govern if elected to a second term.

  1. Why Establishments Don’t Like Trump

The term “establishment” broadly refers to traditional power structures and institutions, including career politicians, government bureaucrats, media outlets, and influential corporate interests. Trump’s conflict with these groups stems from multiple ideological, strategic, and tactical points of friction.

a) Ideological Divergence

Populism vs. Traditionalism: Trump ran on a populist platform that pitted “the people” against “the elite.” His rhetoric often criticized institutions that many people associate with elitism, like academia, corporate media, and career politicians. Trump’s outsider stance against “draining the swamp” inherently antagonized those within traditional structures who viewed his methods as too disruptive or unrefined.

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America First Foreign Policy: In foreign policy, Trump’s “America First” approach clashed with the bipartisan establishment’s commitment to alliances, free trade agreements, and liberal internationalism. He pulled the U.S. out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations, withdrew from the Paris Climate Agreement, and criticized NATO allies for not contributing more financially. These moves undermined longstanding diplomatic and economic strategies embraced by both Democratic and Republican establishments.

Anti-Globalism: Trump’s opposition to globalism, international agreements, and free trade pitted him against corporations that benefited from a globalized economy. His renegotiation of NAFTA into the USMCA, the trade war with China, and efforts to reduce immigration were seen as anti-globalist and aligned with a strain of nationalism that contrasted with the establishment’s generally pro-globalist stance.

b) Challenge to the Media

Trump’s relationship with the mainstream media has been largely adversarial, labeling outlets like CNN and The New York Times as “fake news.” His rhetoric questioning the media’s credibility has undermined public trust in news organizations, challenging their traditional gatekeeping role. He also favored alternative media, like Twitter (now X), to speak directly to his followers, often bypassing traditional press channels. This not only led to backlash from the media but also eroded longstanding norms of how presidents interact with the press.

c) Disruptive Style and Governance

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Challenging the Bureaucracy: Trump frequently criticized what he called the “Deep State”—elements within the federal bureaucracy, particularly intelligence agencies and departments such as the FBI and DOJ. His public criticisms of intelligence agencies over their Russia investigation and other matters, as well as his firing of FBI Director James Comey, created an environment of distrust and tension between his administration and these agencies.

Lack of Conformity: Trump’s leadership style often disregarded precedent, creating friction in a system that prizes stability and predictability. His unfiltered approach and willingness to fire or sideline officials who disagreed with him disrupted the traditional balance between the executive and the established bureaucracy.

d) Impact on Political Norms

Trump’s norm-defying approach also alienated the traditional conservative establishment. For instance, his approach to governance and rhetoric conflicted with conservative intellectuals and think-tanks who found his style inconsistent with the ideological principles and etiquette they traditionally championed.

  1. Trump’s Strengths as a Political Figure

Despite the establishment’s antagonism, Trump has demonstrated strong points that resonate with a significant portion of the electorate.

a) Unfiltered Communication

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Trump’s direct, often blunt communication style appeals to many voters who see it as “authentic.” Unlike many politicians who rely on carefully crafted statements, Trump speaks in a way that many find relatable and straightforward. He utilized Twitter as his primary platform, creating a direct line to his supporters, and circumventing traditional media gatekeepers.

b) Resilience and Determination

Despite relentless opposition and numerous controversies, Trump has demonstrated resilience. His ability to sustain support, maintain his base’s loyalty, and push through challenges that would have sunk most political figures has proven a significant strength. His 2020 election loss did not diminish his influence within the GOP, and he continues to shape the party’s direction, illustrating his enduring appeal.

c) Advocacy for National Sovereignty

Trump’s commitment to “America First” resonates with voters concerned about U.S. sovereignty and the impacts of globalism on American workers. His focus on renegotiating trade deals, challenging NATO allies to contribute more to defense, and building a stronger border security framework reflects his commitment to these issues. His supporters see him as a champion of the American working class, someone willing to challenge multinational corporations and foreign governments to protect American interests.

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d) Strong Base of Support

Trump’s followers are highly loyal, which he has used to his advantage. His rallies and direct engagement with his base have generated a unique political movement within the Republican Party, which has driven turnout and reshaped party dynamics. This grassroots backing has allowed him to challenge establishment Republicans and maintain influence, even when out of office.

  1. How Trump Might Govern in a Second Term

If Trump were to secure a second term, it’s likely he would seek to continue his agenda with a heightened focus on several key areas:

a) Restructuring the Bureaucracy

One of Trump’s main goals would likely be restructuring federal agencies. He has expressed frustration with what he perceives as partisan bureaucracy and “deep state” actors. In a second term, he may attempt significant reforms to the civil service and intelligence agencies, possibly by altering employment protections, expanding political appointments, and asserting greater executive control over federal agencies.

b) Revamping Foreign Policy

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Trump’s foreign policy would likely continue to emphasize “America First” principles. He may pursue further troop withdrawals, reduce U.S. involvement in international conflicts, and press allies to contribute more financially. His potential re-engagement with North Korea, skepticism of NATO, and aggressive stance towards China would likely be hallmarks of a second term. He could also push for even stricter immigration policies, both at the southern border and within the broader immigration system.

c) Strengthening Economic Populism

On the domestic economic front, Trump would likely continue his push for tariffs, focusing on reshoring manufacturing jobs and reducing America’s trade deficit. His tax and regulatory policies could prioritize corporations that keep jobs in the U.S., while potentially implementing more aggressive trade policies against nations like China.

d) Judicial Appointments and Legislative Actions

With a second term, Trump would have another opportunity to shape the judiciary. Given his success in appointing conservative judges, he may aim to continue this by filling any potential vacancies on the Supreme Court and lower courts. Legislative priorities would likely include efforts to overhaul or dismantle “Obamacare” further, though this would depend heavily on the composition of Congress.

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e) Cultural and Social Policies

Trump has increasingly become a figurehead for various conservative and populist causes. He would likely emphasize policies catering to his base’s views on issues such as Second Amendment rights, educational reform to reduce “wokeness” in schools, and other cultural flashpoints. A second term would likely see him engage more directly in cultural battles, potentially through executive orders and policy changes aimed at reflecting conservative values in government actions.

f) Media Relations and Alternative Platforms

Trump’s strained relationship with mainstream media may lead him to further distance his administration from traditional press briefings and news outlets. He might prioritize communication through alternative media platforms, including conservative networks and social media, potentially limiting traditional press access even more than in his first term.

Conclusion

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Trump’s fraught relationship with the establishment stems from a deep ideological divide, a challenging leadership style, and his critique of traditional political and media institutions. His strengths—unfiltered communication, loyalty from his base, and a clear populist agenda—have reshaped American politics. If Trump were to win a second term, we could expect a continuation of his “America First” policies, a heightened effort to overhaul the federal bureaucracy, and an intensified focus on reshoring and strengthening American economic interests. His second term would likely be marked by aggressive attempts to reshape the executive branch, exert more direct control over federal agencies, and redefine America’s foreign and domestic policies to align closely with his populist platform.

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GMTNews Analysis

My Reasons for Leaving the Catholic Church: Dr Obiagbaosogu’s Journey Back to African Spirituality 

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Dr Echezona Obiagbaosogu
  1. My Reasons for Leaving the Catholic Church: Dr Obiagbaosogu’s Journey Back to African Spirituality

 

Dr. Echezona Obiagbaosogu, a former Catholic priest, recently made headlines when he announced his resignation from the priesthood after 17 years to embrace African traditional religion. His story offers a fascinating glimpse into the complex interplay between religion, cultural heritage, and personal spiritual awakening. Obiagbaosogu’s journey is both deeply personal and profoundly symbolic of a broader conversation about the nature of faith and identity.

 

Born into a family with mixed religious influences, Obiagbaosogu’s background provided a fertile ground for spiritual exploration. “I partly lived with my maternal grandfather, who was a traditionalist, while my father was a Christian,” he explained. “Though he was a Christian, he still believed in traditional materials. He was an agriculturist who appreciated nature and used medicinal plants around the compound.” These early experiences planted the seeds for his later fascination with African spirituality.

 

As a Catholic priest, Obiagbaosogu served the Church diligently for 17 years. However, he began to feel a spiritual disconnection. “I came to realize that my true calling is to serve my people through the ancient traditions of our ancestors,” he revealed. This epiphany led him to resign from the priesthood and embark on a journey of rediscovery, focusing on the cultural and spiritual practices of his Igbo heritage.

 

Central to his academic and spiritual pursuits is the art of rainmaking, a practice deeply rooted in Igbo traditional medicine. Obiagbaosogu’s PhD dissertation, titled Rainmaking and Control in Igbo African Medicine: A Case Study of Isieke in Ihiala Local Government Area, Anambra State, delves into this ancient practice. “I was fascinated by the traditional African spirituality and the art of rainmaking,” he said. “This made me spend several months studying under a renowned native doctor, learning the intricacies of the craft.”

 

Obiagbaosogu’s decision to leave the Catholic Church is not an outright rejection of Christianity but rather an embrace of what he perceives as his true calling. “The Church gave me a foundation,” he acknowledged. “However, I felt a deep yearning to recover the lost African values and traditions that our ancestors practiced.” His story resonates with many Africans who grapple with balancing modern religious beliefs with indigenous cultural practices.

 

The former priest’s shift to African traditional religion also underscores the enduring relevance of indigenous knowledge systems. Rainmaking, for instance, is not merely about controlling weather but is deeply intertwined with agricultural success and communal well-being. “My research aims to highlight how these practices are not primitive but deeply scientific and spiritual,” Obiagbaosogu explained.

 

His journey raises important questions about divine intervention and the human search for meaning. Scholars like Mircea Eliade have argued that spirituality is an inherent aspect of human existence, manifesting in various forms across cultures. Obiagbaosogu’s story exemplifies this, as he seeks to reconnect with a form of spirituality that resonates with his cultural identity.

 

Critics might view his decision as a step backward, but Obiagbaosogu sees it as a forward-thinking move to preserve African heritage. “Many of our traditions are dying because they are misunderstood,” he lamented. “I want to show that these practices are not in conflict with modernity but can complement it.”

 

The role of divine intervention in human life is another key theme in his journey. Theologians like St. Augustine have long posited that God’s call is unique to each individual. Obiagbaosogu’s decision to embrace African spirituality can be seen as his way of answering that call in a manner that aligns with his cultural roots.

 

His resignation from the Catholic Church also sheds light on the challenges of navigating dual identities. As a former priest and now a proponent of African traditional religion, Obiagbaosogu occupies a unique space that bridges two spiritual worlds. “I believe God is universal and manifests in different ways to different people,” he said.

 

Obiagbaosogu’s story is a testament to the dynamic nature of faith. It challenges the notion of a monolithic spiritual path and invites a broader understanding of what it means to seek and serve the divine. His journey underscores the importance of cultural context in shaping religious experiences.

 

While his transition may be controversial, it is a courageous affirmation of his individuality and heritage. “This is not about rejecting one faith for another,” he clarified. “It is about honoring the call of nature and understanding who I am meant to be.”

 

Ultimately, Obiagbaosogu’s decision reflects a deep respect for the interconnectedness of nature, culture, and spirituality. His story is a reminder that the human quest for meaning is as diverse as humanity itself, and that true faith often requires listening to the quiet call within.

 

In a world where cultural and spiritual homogenization is increasingly prevalent, Obiagbaosogu’s journey serves as a powerful reminder of the richness of human diversity. It invites us to reconsider our own spiritual paths and the ways in which we honor our cultural heritage while seeking the divine.

Published by GMTNewsng, with analysis by Chijioke Ogbodo.

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GMTNews Analysis

Nigeria’s Power Sector Crisis: Unraveling the Gridlock – Analysis

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The persistent crisis in Nigeria’s power sector has left many questioning its potential for reliable electricity generation and distribution. From frequent grid collapses to inadequate energy access, the sector’s challenges have stifled economic growth, deterred investments, and hindered the nation’s aspirations for industrialization. Despite years of reforms, the nation is grappling with its twelfth national grid collapse in 2024, amplifying the urgency to address systemic inefficiencies.

A Historical Perspective

The foundation of Nigeria’s power crisis is deeply rooted in decades of neglect and mismanagement. By the late 1990s, the sector had deteriorated, characterized by obsolete infrastructure, erratic supply, and a lack of investment. However, the return of democracy in 1999 brought renewed focus on addressing these challenges.

Under President Olusegun Obasanjo (1999–2007), efforts to revamp the sector gained momentum. Obasanjo initiated the construction of new power plants after a 20-year hiatus, with the goal of expanding electricity generation capacity. Notable projects such as the Geregu, Omotosho, and Papalanto power plants were launched during his tenure. These plants, though completed years later, formed a critical part of Nigeria’s generating infrastructure. His administration also championed the unbundling of the National Electric Power Authority (NEPA) into the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) as a step toward privatization, aiming to improve efficiency and attract private sector participation.

Building on Foundations

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Subsequent administrations built on Obasanjo’s reforms. One notable period of improvement occurred under President Goodluck Jonathan when Professor Bart Nnaji served as Minister of Power from 2011 to 2012. His tenure focused on instituting transparency, eliminating ghost workers in the sector, and expediting privatization processes. The privatization of the power sector in 2013, initiated by Nnaji, remains a landmark, transferring generation and distribution responsibilities to private entities. Nnaji also prioritized gas supply agreements to address generation deficits. These efforts briefly increased generation capacity from an average of 2,800 megawatts to over 4,000 megawatts, thanks to targeted investments and operational optimizations in the generation sector which reduced power outages.

His tenure was marked by improved system reliability and the completion of several power plants, including the Geregu Power Plant, and the establishment of the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading (NBET) Company to improve financial liquidity in the sector.

The tenure of president Muhamadu Buhari also made notable contributions. Under Babatunde Fashola (2015–2019) as power minister, efforts were focused on expanding the transmission network, completing 90 transmission projects. The Buhari administration initiated the Siemens Presidential Power Initiative, targeting a 25,000 MW generation capacity by 2025, while commissioning the Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plant and implementing the National Mass Metering Program to reduce energy theft.

Recent Developments

Despite these efforts, systemic challenges persist. The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) reported that installed capacity exceeded 13,000 MW by 2023, yet actual generation hovered between 3,500 and 4,000 megawatts due to infrastructure bottlenecks. The situation has been exacerbated by vandalism, gas supply shortages, and transmission constraints. These issues culminated in a series of grid collapses, with twelve recorded in 2024 alone.

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To address these challenges, the federal government recently enacted amendments to electricity laws, enabling state governments and private sector participants to play active roles in power generation and distribution. States like Lagos, Ondo, and Kaduna have already initiated independent power projects, and Enugu taking over full regulatory and distribution responsibilities, signaling a potential shift toward localized solutions. However, effective implementation remains key to realizing these reforms’ full potential.

The Human and Economic Toll

The impact of Nigeria’s power crisis is profound. Businesses, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs), bear the brunt of erratic supply, relying heavily on costly diesel generators to sustain operations. According to the World Bank, inadequate power supply costs the Nigerian economy over $28 billion annually. This not only deters foreign investment but also exacerbates unemployment and poverty rates. Households, too, face mounting costs, with many spending significant portions of their income on alternative energy sources.

The Way Forward

To resolve the gridlock, Nigeria must adopt a multi-pronged approach. Key recommendations include:

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  1. Strengthening Infrastructure: Modernizing transmission and distribution networks to minimize energy losses and improve efficiency.
  2. Diversifying Energy Sources: Expanding renewable energy projects, including solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, to reduce dependence on gas-fired plants.
  3. Enforcing Accountability: Ensuring transparent operations within the sector, with clear metrics for monitoring performance.
  4. Enhancing Policy Implementation: Bridging the gap between policy formulation and execution, particularly at the state level, where independent initiatives hold promise.
  5. Encouraging Private Investments: Offering incentives to private investors while ensuring a competitive and transparent environment.

A Glimmer of Hope?

The reforms and renewed focus on state-led initiatives offer a glimpse of hope. If effectively implemented, these measures could create a more competitive and efficient power sector. For Nigeria, solving its power crisis is not just a matter of economic necessity but a critical step toward achieving its development aspirations.

As the nation reflects on the successes and setbacks of past administrations, it becomes evident that sustained political will, transparency, and robust infrastructure investments hold the key to unlocking a brighter future.
(Sources – unilag, thenationonlineng, nairametrics, dailypost, thevaluechainng). GMTNewsng

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