Guest writer Henry Páll Wulff analyzes the impact of the second Trump Administration on Romania's political landscape.

On January 20, 2025, Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States, marking a historic return to the White House. The inauguration ceremony, held indoors at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda due to inclement weather, was attended by an array of influential figures, notably including tech magnates such as Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg. Their presence underscored a significant shift in the political landscape, where corporate power and political authority appear increasingly intertwined.

In his inaugural address, President Trump proclaimed the onset of a "golden age of America," emphasizing a return to national sovereignty and the prioritization of American interests. He outlined a series of executive actions aimed at reversing policies from the previous administration, including withdrawing from international agreements and declaring national emergencies to address issues such as border security and energy independence. These actions signal a consolidation of power that aligns closely with the interests of the attending corporate elites.

This convergence of oligarchic influence and populist rhetoric not only reshapes the American political fabric but also reverberates globally, impacting nations like Romania. Romania, already grappling with its own challenges of oligarchic dominance and democratic instability, may find its political climate further influenced by the precedents set by the new U.S. administration.

The Ripple Effect of Trump’s Governance

Donald Trump’s administration has demonstrated how the fusion of corporate interests and populist rhetoric can consolidate power, erode democratic norms, and embolden far-right movements. In Romania, this serves as both a cautionary tale and a potential roadmap for populist leaders like Călin Georgescu and George Simion, who have already adopted similar tactics to stoke nationalist fervor and undermine political opposition.

Trump’s high-profile pardons of Capitol rioters—described as “held accountable for defending America’s integrity”—send a clear and dangerous signal that political violence can be reframed as patriotic action. Romanian far-right figures might draw inspiration from these moves, justifying their own confrontational rhetoric and actions as “a defense of Romanian sovereignty.” Such narratives risk further polarizing Romania’s already fractured political discourse. The ripple effects of such legitimization of violence go beyond the political stage, threatening the social cohesion that is vital for democracy.

Romanian Politics: A Fragmented Moderate Front

The fragmented nature of Romania’s moderate political forces exacerbates the influence of far-right movements. While moderates share common values of democratic accountability and transparency, their inability to unify weakens their ability to counter populist narratives effectively. This disunity allows figures like Georgescu to dominate media discourse, portraying themselves as the sole voice of the “forgotten” people.

Drawing lessons from Trump’s rise, Romanian moderates must prioritize coalition-building over ideological purity. The focus should be on crafting a unified vision that addresses voters’ concerns—ranging from corruption and economic inequality to national identity—while actively countering far-right propaganda. Without such unity, moderates risk allowing the far-right to monopolize the political imagination, leading to a further erosion of trust in democratic institutions.

Voter Behavior: Learning from Populism’s Appeal

Trump’s rhetoric, which simplifies complex issues into emotionally resonant narratives, has significant implications for Romanian voter behavior. His “America First” agenda resonates with electorates that feel alienated by globalization and economic transition. Romanian populists, like Trump, exploit similar grievances to build support among disenchanted rural and working-class voters.

For moderates, the challenge lies in presenting a compelling alternative that directly addresses these voters’ concerns. Outreach efforts should focus on marginalized communities, particularly those disillusioned by the political establishment. Initiatives that prioritize economic inclusion, transparency, and regional development could counteract the appeal of populist messaging. Furthermore, moderates must be proactive in addressing the spread of misinformation, which fuels distrust and deepens divisions among voters.

Safeguarding Democracy: The Role of Institutions

Trump’s administration underscores the fragility of democratic institutions when confronted by populism and oligarchic interests. For Romania, this serves as a stark reminder of the importance of institutional integrity. Policymakers must prioritize strengthening the judiciary, ensuring media transparency, and enforcing campaign finance reforms to counteract the influence of wealthy elites and disinformation.

Additionally, international cooperation—particularly with the European Union—is crucial in countering populism’s global appeal. Romania’s alignment with EU standards on democratic governance and media accountability can serve as a bulwark against domestic attempts to erode these values. Failure to act decisively risks leaving Romania vulnerable to the kind of political destabilization witnessed in the United States under Trump.

Looking Ahead

Donald Trump’s second administration is more than an American concern; it’s a global phenomenon that highlights the vulnerabilities of democratic systems. For Romania, the stakes are particularly high. Without proactive efforts to counter far-right narratives and the entrenchment of oligarchic power, the country risks a descent into authoritarianism.

Romanian moderates, voters, and policymakers must recognize the urgency of the moment. Moderates need to overcome their divisions and present a united front capable of inspiring trust and engagement. Voters must remain vigilant against the allure of simplistic solutions and hold their leaders accountable. Policymakers must prioritize safeguarding democratic institutions, ensuring transparency, and addressing the root causes of populist discontent.

Romania’s democratic future depends on its ability to resist the forces of division and authoritarianism. Trump’s second term may have reignited global challenges to democracy, but it also offers an opportunity—a rallying cry for those committed to building a more inclusive, accountable, and resilient society. The time to act is now—delaying only strengthens the forces working to undermine democracy’s foundations.

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Henry Páll Wulff is a German citizen living in Romania and former co-chair of Volt Romania political party.

*This is an opinion article and the views expressed here belong to the author. If you want to participate in the debate and share your views on political and social topics, or on things related to life in Romania in general, please write to us at newsroom@romania-insider.com.

(Photo source: The White House Facebook page)