OPINION:
The restoration begins Monday. President-elect Donald J. Trump will be sworn in with an extraordinary mandate to unwind the extreme policies imposed by his predecessor. Desperate for change, the public handed the 45th — and soon to be 47th — president 58% of the electoral vote and a popular majority.
It’s a comeback story for the history books, filled with far more drama — including two attempts on his life — than the run-of-the-mill election tale. Mr. Trump joins President Grover Cleveland as the only other commander-in-chief to deliver a second, non-consecutive inaugural address.
Cleveland, unlike his modern successors in the Democratic Party, believed the United States was a great country deserving sound economic policies. The words the 19th century politician recited from the East Portico in his second address still resonate.
“Under our scheme of government, the waste of public money is a crime against the citizen, and the contempt of our people for economy and frugality in their personal affairs deplorably saps the strength and sturdiness of our national character,” he said.
Crime is rampant in Washington. The outgoing administration spent $7.7 trillion more than it collected over the last four years, forcing Uncle Sam to borrow around $50,000 from each taxpayer. The national consensus, expressed in November, is that we haven’t been getting much of value in return for all that money.
That’s about to change. Mr. Trump has deftly executed his transition plan. Already, 1,000 appointees are lined up and ready to serve in his administration. In confirmation hearings over the past several days, his cabinet picks have run circles around Democratic senators trying — and failing — to one-up them in the soundbite game.
World leaders recognize the new reality and have fallen in line. Canada’s liberal leader is stepping down as the nation is poised to upgrade to a conservative government some time before October — perhaps its final federal election before becoming the 51st state. Mexico is working to stop the migrant caravans. Peace appears to be breaking out in the Middle East.
Resolving foreign disputes pays massive dividends. By not spending money we don’t have on overseas adventurism, we save trillions. By restoring faith in America’s resolve, other nations realize when this president issues a threat, he means it.
Thus, America will no longer be pushed around when it comes to international trade deals. Mr. Trump once again will raise or lower tariffs as needed to level the playing field for U.S. goods and services. During his first term, lower taxes, reduced regulation and strategic use of tariff diplomacy triggered an economic surge that hasn’t been seen since.
While the economy was under control, the bureaucracy wasn’t. Mr. Trump underestimated the underhanded scheming of the mandarins who knifed him in the back throughout his four years in office. The use of espionage and lawfare by “the resistance” was ruthless, without precedent and in some cases illegal.
This time, Mr. Trump is on to their game, and they know it. The bad apples have already begun fleeing to avoid being called in for grilling by inspectors general. Those attempting to remain will soon be shown the door.
Having survived an assassination attempt by the narrowest of margins, Mr. Trump understands how low his opponents will go to stop him. He has adopted a new seriousness, and this renewed discipline will help strengthen America’s national character.
There’s reason to be optimistic about the great things that lie ahead.
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