Don’t Repeat Trump’s Disaster: His Presidency Was a Blueprint for Failure, Not Success

Donald Trump’s second term started with a bang, leaving many Democrats momentarily impressed by his frenetic pace and seeming ability to outmaneuver opposition. Some even entertained the notion that Democrats could learn a thing or two from his playbook. But that early awe quickly gave way to reality: Trump’s approval ratings nosedived, hitting their lowest point well before the 2020 election.

Matthew Yglesias of Slow Boring cuts through the noise to remind us why copying Trump’s failed presidency is a fool’s errand. Yes, Democrats have their own struggles and uninspired leadership, but Trump’s own choices and governance style are the real problem. His so-called “success” was built on chaos, authoritarian overreach, and a blatant disregard for democratic norms—none of which should be a template for anyone who claims to care about accountability or effective governance.

Despite this, some still cling to the idea that Trump’s approach offers valuable lessons. Lina Khan’s recent comments and initiatives like Project 2029 suggest a troubling willingness to embrace a strategy rooted in Trump’s blueprint. Yet, as Yglesias points out, the Project 2025 concept was widely mocked and largely disavowed by Trump himself, even as he quietly implemented many of its authoritarian proposals.

The question we must ask is simple: why try to copy failure? Trump’s presidency was a disaster that weakened democratic institutions and alienated vast swaths of the electorate. Democrats should be focused on building a positive, accountable, and transparent alternative—not replicating the chaos and corruption that defined the Orange Man’s time in office.

As Trump’s approval ratings continue to plummet and his governance record becomes clearer, the lesson is unmistakable. We don’t need to imitate Trump’s failed presidency—we need to hold it accountable and move decisively away from its toxic legacy.