President Trump

Donald Trump, the most contentious US Head of State in modern times, will be officially sworn in today. As the world waits warily for his first act as the 45th President, Trump has already tweeted his first day in office would be on Monday, apparently under the impression that presidents do not work on the weekend, and his unpredictability has already been pinned as the defining element of the next four years.

Trump will be sworn in during a $ 200 million ceremony, which is expected to be less glittery than previous inaugurations, but likely to have extra attention directed at his speech in hopes that it would, at least at this late date, make an effort towards unity and set more concrete policy goals.

It’s clear, however, that a solid majority of Americans are not behind him. Trump is poised to enter the Oval Office with a far lower approval rating — 42% — than his three predecessors, according to Gallup, which only has comparable data going back to 1992. The previous lowest was George W. Bush, who won positive marks from 59% during his transition to office. Bush, like Trump, also lost the popular vote in a tightly-contested race.

Gallup found just 44% of those questioned approve of the way the incoming President has handled his transition, compared with 83% approval of Barack Obama’s transition. Sixty-one percent approved of Bush’s transition.

That leaves a hefty task ahead for Trump, who must take the stage on Friday and, after swearing the oath, address perhaps his largest, broadest audience to date. Internationally governments will be directing an ear to hints on foreign policy that have been sparse in the weeks following the election. 

One of the biggest questions facing Trump as he prepares to take office is how his confrontational and unpredictable style will affect his ability to enact his agenda and manage the inevitable crises he will face. He has the benefit of a Republican-led Congress, but potential intraparty disagreements loom over spending and entitlements.

Healthcare will be an early test for Trump and the GOP. The president-elect says he expects Congress to repeal and replace Obama’s signature health care law “essentially simultaneously,” though he has not specified for lawmakers what he expects to be in a new measure. Some Republicans believe the complexity of the current system makes a fast overhaul nearly impossible. It would mean 18 million Americans stand to lose healthcare and either way the Government stands to lose millions. 

Trump has also spent and inordinate amount of time refusing to believe that Russia is behind the hacking ahead of the elections that gave him an undeniable edge over his rival. Despite numerous security briefings Trump has remained largely supportive of Russian President Vladimir Putin and this relationship will color the new president’s actions, whether he means it to or not.

As it heads for another round at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) sessions at the end of February the Sri Lankan Government will be hoping that Trump and his administration remains caught up in matters at home allowing for reduced pressure on reconciliation measures. So far the indication is that responsibility will shift more to UN officials but it is unlikely Colombo will get a free pass.