America has entered the second term of Trump.

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Eight years ago, Donald Trump gave his inaugural address, calling it a dystopia of closed factories, poverty and crime in what became known as the “American carnage” speech. His second episode, in part, struck a sunny tone, flagged by the promise of a new “Golden Age of America.” But much of the rhetoric of revenge was still there, filled with a sense of righteousness and a personal mission born of an unusual political rebirth. For both his supporters and critics, the bottom line is that Trump’s second term promises to be even more consequential and disruptive than his first.

There were times when Trump spoke highly of the achievements of America’s pioneers, from opening up the American West to taking mankind to the stars. He insisted that America would reclaim its rightful place as “the greatest, most powerful, and most respected nation on earth.”

But he simultaneously scrutinized a government that was unable to manage “even a minor crisis” and a “radical and corrupt institution” that amassed power and wealth from its citizens. Opponents fear his promise to end a justice system “weapon” that he believes has been used to target him is actually using America’s judicial tools to settle scores with his enemies. And while there was no mention of annexing Canada or occupying Greenland, the announcement that America would return the Panama Canal would rattle allies and opponents alike.

With Trump back, such warnings have taken on added force. Although his first term was limited by his lack of knowledge of Washington politics and the “adults in the room” he appointed as advisers, he became an effective president. It changed Western attitudes toward China, accelerated the retreat from pluralism, and emboldened right-wing political parties around the world.

The man who took the oath of office in the Capitol Rotunda on Monday — where rioters tried to block the transition to President Joe Biden four years ago — is even more powerful this time. It dictates overall results in the Republican Party, which has majorities in both houses of Congress. His cabinet choices are defined by their loyalty to him. And not just Silicon Valley billionaires, many corporate leaders are rushing to bow the knee to Trump. The narrow victory in the popular vote is now seen as a change in the political climate.

Trump 2.0, moreover, has a detailed agenda to bring about a sea change in how America is governed and interacts with the rest of the world. Among the 100 or so executive orders he has already signed, he made it clear that he would authorize new measures by declaring national emergencies, including on immigration and energy issues.

During his campaign, Trump promised to introduce universal tariffs on global imports from Canada, Mexico and China, but has held off on imposing the long-awaited tariffs. But Trump’s announcement that he will end Biden’s Green New Deal and withdraw the United States from the Paris climate accord is a major blow to climate action. Some of his other orders were designed to be unprecedented, radical, and legally questionable.

There are also many reasons why Americans beyond the Maga base fear for their democracy. In his farewell speech, Biden rightly warned that the wealth and political influence of the new Trump circle were the “elders of unity.” . . It’s taking shape in America.” Trump and his wife’s issuance of memecoins to tap the global speculative market in the days before his inauguration is a sign of this shift in self-interest. The legal world, watchdogs and media groups should be paying attention. Trump’s first term and his end were tumultuous, but the U.S. Power checks and balances are about to be tested like never before.