Professor John Stremlau, Visiting Professor of International Relations at Wits University, offered a blunt assessment of Trump’s early actions, describing them as rooted in “ignorance, cruelty, and greed.”

Speaking during an interview, Stremlau noted that Trump has signed 142 executive orders in just over three months, more than any modern US President at this stage. “It’s a record-setting pace,” he said, “but not one grounded in thoughtful policy. Instead, it reflects chaotic and reactionary governance.”

Stremlau raised specific concerns about Trump’s approach to Africa. He criticised an executive order issued in February that abruptly ended US assistance to South Africa, citing misrepresentations of the country’s land reform and constitutional values. “He claimed our diversity and equity principles were flawed and falsely painted the Land Redistribution Act as a land seizure law,” said Stremlau. “Welcoming Afrikaners as refugees while slashing aid exposes both his ignorance and deep-seated racial bias.”

Trump’s trade agenda has also rattled global markets, with aggressive tariffs on Chinese goods driving economic uncertainty. While the White House frames this as “strategic ambiguity,” critics argue it’s damaging and short-sighted.

With approval ratings dropping to 34%, Trump’s political standing is under pressure. Stremlau believes this discontent may shape the upcoming US midterm elections. “The economic pain is real, and people are frustrated. Whether that translates into a political shift remains to be seen,” he said.

--ChannelAfrica--