President Donald Trump suggested he feels emboldened in his second term, according to The Associated Press. The remarks came while showcasing new renovations at the White House on May 27, 2026. Trump noted he initially hesitated to pursue such changes due to negative media coverage.
What happened
During a recent display of towering flagpoles on the White House North and South Lawns, Trump expressed that he envisioned similar renovations during his first term but refrained due to concerns about negative press. “You guys were after me,” Trump said. “I was the hunted. And now I’m the hunter.”[1]
This anecdote appears in “Regime Change,” a new book by New York Times reporters Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan. It illustrates the marked differences between Trump’s initial presidency and his current approach, as he reportedly feels more powerful now. The book posits that Trump’s belief in his enhanced authority allows him to “trample norms” and dismantle established institutions.
Why it matters
This shift in Trump’s perspective raises concerns regarding the implications of his actions on democratic norms and institutional integrity. His second term, free from some of the challenges he faced previously, could enable him to reshape presidential powers significantly.[3]
Background
On January 20, 2021, Trump exited the White House after losing the 2020 election. His return in 2025 has been characterized by less internal resistance and an absence of the major crises he confronted during his first term, such as the pandemic and high inflation.[2]
What’s next
The administration is expected to continue touting Trump’s influences as they prepare for midterm elections in November 2026, positioning him as a central figure in shaping the Republican Party moving forward.
