Trump Marks the End of an Era: The Future is Uncertain

As an opinion contributor reflects, even though Kamala Harris did not win the presidency, her campaign mantra, 'We’re not going back!' seemed to capture a broader truth. The re-electing of Donald Trump signifies the end of a historical chapter and the start of a new one that cannot be reversed.

Initially, Trump's impact appeared limited as his electoral victory was tight, and he never garnered widespread approval, often facing backlash and challenges.

His initial presidency, despite revealing society's deep discontent with political norms, felt like an anomaly, sparking hopes of returning to the 'normalcy' overseen by established leaders.

Opposition efforts largely centered on the expectation that Trump's era was temporary, a belief seemingly confirmed when Joe Biden's election promised a return to orderly governance.

Yet, during a global health crisis stemming from Wuhan and following Russia’s aggression towards Ukraine, it became evident that the former normal was irretrievably lost.

The anticipated restoration never materialized: the world of post-Cold War dynamics has ended, closing the door on any return to such a past.

This shift may appear as an exaggerated view of the Trump years, implying a move away from liberal democracy towards a future defined by less democratic principles.