Donald Trump: The Wizard of Oz Reborn—The Illusion Continues

It seems that, like a poorly scripted sequel, Donald Trump is back in power—because why wouldn’t you bring back the show that was full of flash, noise, and a complete lack of substance? His return to the political stage is nothing short of a magical resurrection—one that only the greatest magician could pull off. Once again, Trump is the Wizard of Oz, pulling the strings from behind the curtain while his supporters cheer on, completely captivated by the spectacle.

The Illusion of Power: Trump’s Smoke, Mirrors, and MAGA Hats

Remember the Emerald City? It was all gleaming green towers, dazzling lights, and the grandiose promises of the Wizard. Well, now we’ve got Mar-a-Lago—Trump’s personal Emerald City, glimmering under the Florida sun, where the smoke and mirrors work overtime. The magic is back, baby! Trump has expertly honed his ability to create an illusion of power, whether it’s through a raucous rally or yet another series of deflections and distractions. His (Critter) X account might be back, his rallies might be louder, and his promises might be more inflated than ever, but the reality is the same: it’s all smoke and mirrors, just with a more expensive backdrop this time.

But wait, Trump’s not just pulling rabbits out of hats this time—he’s got an international reality show in the making. The world is his stage, and once again, he’s playing the role of the tough guy who can “negotiate” and “make deals.” In his world, the art of the deal is less about diplomacy and more about spectacle, and that’s the real trick here. No one knows that better than the international community, who are once again watching Trump pretend to be a world-class negotiator.

The Yellow Brick Road: From One Shiny Promise to Another

Trump’s return to power is essentially the same as his 2016 campaign, with a few extra real estate twists and turns. The Yellow Brick Road is once again glittering with promises—this time, promises of “America First” policies that somehow still involve aligning with every authoritarian leader he can find. Whether it’s his love affair with Vladimir Putin or his ongoing admiration for Kim Jong-un, Trump’s path is littered with the charred remains of diplomatic norms.

Domestically, the Yellow Brick Road still winds through tax cuts for billionaires, mindless deregulation, and “America First” isolationism that’s as effective as a paper umbrella in a hurricane. But it’s Trump’s foreign policy that’s the real showstopper. Much like Dorothy’s journey, the path to Trump’s foreign policy is paved with big, bold promises that are somehow always one step behind. “We’re going to make great deals,” he says, even as he withdraws from global agreements, ignores allies, and undermines every international organization that doesn’t cater to his whims.

Take, for instance, his effective withdrawal from NATO and his tendency to treat international diplomacy like a high-stakes game of Monopoly. Trump’s foreign policy is all about power plays and posturing, but the real game is much more subtle. As the world moves on, he’s still trying to roll the dice to see if he can recreate the “winning” streak from his first term. Spoiler: it’s not going to happen.

The Art of Deception: Curtain Up on the Foreign Policy Fiasco

The Wizard was a master of deception—he could create illusions so grand that even the most skeptical were convinced. Trump, in a familiar act, is now back to his old tricks, using his brand of deception to distract the masses. Take his recent re-engagement with international relations: just like the Wizard, he’s making big promises, but delivering little. The climate agreements, the “deals” with China, the “strong” anti-positions on NATO—they’re all smoke and mirrors designed to make it seem like the Wizard is still in control.

On the global stage, Trump’s tactics look just like his earlier escapades—flashy, boisterous, and completely hollow. Trump’s attempts to “bring America back to greatness” are less about diplomacy and more about him playing the role of the world’s toughest guy. The deals with North Korea? Well, they ended in a photo op, and now the country is testing missiles again. His “new world order” with China? Still waiting on the results of that trade war, but don’t worry—he’ll spin it as a “huge success” when the next round of tariffs rolls around.

And the international alliances that Trump spent so much of his first term trying to tear apart? Well, they’re back under his “America First” guise. Now, when he speaks to world leaders, it’s like a magician calling on random volunteers from the audience to wave their hands and pretend they’re in control. The international community may smile and nod, but everyone knows who’s pulling the strings—nobody.

The Scarecrow’s Brains: Trump’s Foreign Policy, Still Lacking Substance

If the Scarecrow wanted a brain, Trump’s foreign policy desperately needs one. The man still thinks you can bully your way into winning, as if international relations are a simple game of “who can shout the loudest.” His diplomacy involves the classic Trump move—call it a “win” without any follow-through, all while pretending the world is buying into his version of the deal.

From renegotiating NAFTA (which ultimately just led to a new name and minor tweaks) to pulling out of the Paris Climate Agreement (and then pretending it wasn’t a big deal) and WHO, Trump’s foreign policy achievements are a little like the Scarecrow’s quest for intelligence—never fully realized, and largely irrelevant to the real world. He’ll claim victory in trade wars with China while American farmers face the consequences. He’ll promise a “new deal” for the Middle East, but it’s just the same old shoddy diplomacy dressed up in a new bow.

Trump’s foreign policy continues to lack any real depth, any strategic vision beyond “make a deal,” and it’s becoming increasingly evident. Much like the Scarecrow, Trump’s international decisions are full of hot air and grand gestures—but not much intelligence.

The Tin Man’s Empathy Deficit: Trump’s Global Heartlessness

The Tin Man may have lacked a heart, but Trump’s foreign policy shows little in the way of empathy—unless you’re an authoritarian leader who praises him. From pulling out of the Paris Climate Agreement to his heartless responses to international crises, Trump’s approach to global diplomacy was always about what was best for his image, not the greater good.

When the pandemic hit, his foreign policy was as hollow as the Tin Man’s chest—no concern for global cooperation, no empathy for the nations suffering. When Trump talks about “helping” the world, it’s often a thinly veiled excuse for pushing American interests at the expense of global cooperation. Global crises were met with “America First” bravado, and for countries that had once considered America an ally, Trump’s lack of compassion was a stark reminder that he was only in it for himself.

Take his handling of Gaza and Israel—where his administration’s one-sided support for Israel in its conflict with Gaza led to global condemnation and further instability. But now, Trump seems to have found a new pet project: he wants to turn Gaza into the “Riviera of the Middle East.” Yes, you read that correctly—Trump’s “great idea” to make Gaza the glamorous Mediterranean hotspot it’s never been. Forget about peace or diplomatic resolutions—let’s throw in some luxury resorts, a few golf courses, and call it a day. Global diplomacy, meet Trump’s idea of “paradise.” Because when it comes to the Middle East, the best way to resolve a decades-long conflict is to sell the vision of beach resorts. You can’t make this up.

And then there’s Ukraine—Trump’s view of that war-torn country is less about sovereignty and more about the treasure beneath the surface. The man who once suggested he could “negotiate” Ukraine’s sovereignty away is now eyeing its “jewels in the ground.” Yes, Trump apparently sees Ukraine’s mineral wealth as the next great American gold rush. Forget about democracy or global stability—Trump wants to expropriate Ukraine’s mineral riches like they’re the latest property deal in one of his glossy brochures. It’s as if he believes the world’s problems could be solved with a hefty mining contract and a flashy golf course on top of an oil field. Because nothing says “peace” like claiming the precious minerals of a country embroiled in war. Oh, and Tin!

The Cowardly Lion: Trump’s Bravado, Still Insecure

Trump may strut around like the Cowardly Lion, puffing out his chest and making noise to cover his insecurities. Whether it’s his “tough guy” rhetoric with North Korea, his bravado in the face of world leaders, or his constant need for praise, the truth is clear: Trump is the political equivalent of the Cowardly Lion. He talks tough, but when it’s time to actually do the work, he either backs down or defaults to the same old rhetoric.

Take his tough talk with Iran. He pulled the US out of the Iran nuclear deal, only to have Iran accelerate its nuclear program and no real leverage left. Much like the Cowardly Lion, Trump’s bravado was no match for the complexity of international negotiations. His foreign policy was more about flexing than about achieving meaningful results.

The Wicked Witch of the West: Trump’s Critics, Still “Melting”

Critics of Trump, much like the Wicked Witch of the West, will never stop trying to undermine his rule. But despite everything—his failed foreign policy, his chaotic domestic agenda, and his penchant for making enemies—Trump’s critics still can’t seem to defeat him. Much like the Wicked Witch, they keep trying, and Trump keeps surviving. Whether it’s impeachments, investigations, or media battles, Trump manages to escape, his loyal base still defending him like Dorothy’s friends with the Witch.

Glinda the Good Witch: Trump’s Loyal Supporters

And then there’s Glinda—the Good Witch, the perfect role for Trump’s supporters who continue to defend him despite the mounting evidence that his “great leadership” is nothing but a fantasy. No matter how many failures pile up, no matter how many global crises he mishandles, they’ll tell you it’s all part of a master plan. Just like Glinda guided Dorothy to victory, Trump’s supporters keep guiding him back into the spotlight, convinced that he’s the answer to every problem—real or imagined.

The Media: The Flying Monkeys of Illusion

And what would the show be without the media—the Flying Monkeys who endlessly amplify Trump’s every move? Whether it’s the echo chamber of praise or the desperate attempts to tear him down, the media keeps the illusion alive, just like the Wicked Witch’s minions. But here’s the thing: in the end, no matter how many monkeys swarm, it’s the Wizard pulling the strings, and Trump’s media circus will forever keep the spectacle spinning.

The Curtain Pulls Back Again: Trump, Still the Wizard

As Trump returns to power, the curtain is pulled back once again to reveal the same Wizard—the man who is just as ordinary, just as full of bluster, and just as devoid of real political substance as ever. The world continues to watch, mesmerized by the spectacle, while the same illusions keep spinning. How much longer will the world believe in the Wizard? Only time will tell. But for now, the show is back on the road, and Trump is still playing the lead role.