With Trump’s return to the presidency, certain policy changes and priorities are already taking shape. Among the key shifts expected are efforts to bring jobs back to America, reductions in government employees, and the reintroduction of tariffs as a negotiating tool in global trade. While the standard immigration debates may persist, Trump’s track record suggests he will double down on strategies already proven effective during his first term- deporting criminals, stopping the flow of illegal immigration with policies like a wall and remain in Mexico. It remains to be seen if the administration will follow through on mass deportations. 

On the economic front, stock market expectations are mixed. Trump’s policies—particularly around deregulation and reshoring—could boost sectors like manufacturing and energy, but the broader market’s performance will depend on external factors like global competition and monetary policy. 

However, some mega trends are beyond any leader’s control, Trump included. These sweeping forces will shape America regardless of who sits in the Oval Office. Here’s why they’re unchangeable and their potential consequences:

1. The Global Competitive Market
   • Why It Won’t Change: The global economy is deeply interconnected. Countries like China, India, and emerging markets continue to dominate in manufacturing and innovation due to cost advantages and growing expertise.
   • Consequences for the USA: U.S. industries will face ongoing pressure to innovate and automate to stay competitive, potentially leaving behind workers in traditional sectors who cannot adapt.
2. AI and Robotics
   • Why It Won’t Change: Advances in AI and robotics are driven by technological breakthroughs, not policy. Companies will continue to prioritize efficiency over manual labor due to cost savings and productivity.
   • Consequences for the USA: Job displacement will accelerate, particularly in industries like manufacturing, middle management and logistics, creating a pressing need for retraining programs and people looking for new lines of work. 
3. Crypto and Financial Disruption
   • Why It Won’t Change: The rise of blockchain technology and decentralized finance is driven by global adoption and innovation outside traditional regulatory frameworks. Trump is expected to advance policies beneficial to the crypto sector.
   • Consequences for the USA: Legacy financial systems will face disruption, potentially reducing financial industry headcount as companies become more efficient with less people. This could lead to greater economic decentralization but also new risks in financial stability the masses are not use to. 
4. Wealth Inequality Led By Tech
   • Why It Won’t Change: Technology companies concentrate wealth because of high profit margins and low labor requirements. The economics of scale in tech favor consolidation over distribution.
   • Consequences for the USA: The gap between the wealthy and the rest will continue to widen, fueling social tensions and political polarization.
5. The Case for UBI or UBL
   • Why It Won’t Change: As automation displaces jobs, the need for universal basic income (UBI) or universal basic living benefits (UBL) will grow. Economic structures will struggle to create enough traditional jobs to sustain current standards of living.
   • Consequences for the USA: Economic inequality could worsen, and social unrest could become more frequent as displaced workers struggle to find security. 
6. Digital Immersion
   • Why It Won’t Change: With economic activity increasingly moving online and into blockchain-based systems, digital platforms are becoming the new marketplaces. This trend is global and unavoidable. 
   • Consequences for the USA: The U.S. will need to ensure robust digital infrastructure and cybersecurity to remain competitive, but it risks leaving behind those unable to transition to a digital-first economy.
7. Tariffs and Trade
   • Why It Won’t Change: Global trade dynamics are increasingly shaped by geopolitical power struggles rather than unilateral policy shifts. Tariffs may impact trade flows, but they cannot reverse the broader trend of globalization.
   • Consequences for the USA: While tariffs may protect some industries temporarily, they risk retaliatory measures and higher costs for American consumers.

While Trump’s presidency will bring policy changes and a return to his signature style of leadership, the underlying forces shaping America’s future remain firmly in place. Addressing these trends requires long-term strategies beyond the scope of any single administration.