When Donald Trump made his bold declaration during his second inaugural, saying, “Nothing will stand in our way,” it was clear he was gearing up to push forward with even more confidence than before. But after a 29-minute speech emphasizing his experience and determination, we’re left wondering: What will keep him in check this time around?
Here are a few potential roadblocks that could slow down Trump’s ambitions:
1. Federal Courts: The Guardians of the Constitution
Don’t expect the federal courts to just rubber-stamp everything Trump wants to do. Most judges view their role as protecting the Constitution and upholding the law, not bowing to political pressure. While some may be more sympathetic to Trump, the Supreme Court reviews only a small fraction of cases, so it’s unlikely they’ll have the final say on everything.
2. Trump’s Love-Hate Relationship with the Stock Market
Trump has always made it clear: he measures success by how well the stock market is doing. The Dow and S&P are his personal report cards. This obsession with the market could actually rein in some of his more extreme economic ideas. For example, imposing tariffs on all nations could send the market crashing—and that’s something Trump would probably want to avoid.
3. A Very Slim Republican Majority
The Republicans currently hold the smallest House majority since the Great Depression. With only a five-seat lead, it wouldn’t take much for a few members to block Trump’s proposals. Sure, many Republican lawmakers are loyal to him, but their voters have diverse opinions on issues. With everyone in the House up for reelection in 2026, Trump could face a serious challenge if his agenda doesn’t line up with what the people want.
4. The Common Sense of the American People
Let’s not forget: Trump won the popular vote by just a small 1.5% margin. The last time a president won by such a slim lead was in 2000. Despite the constant hype from Trump’s supporters and media outlets, many Americans are still skeptical of his leadership. His harsh policies, like separating families at the border, are likely to turn people away.
So, what’s the takeaway? While Trump may have big plans, several factors could stop him in his tracks this time around. Whether it’s the courts, the economy, the narrow Republican majority, or the collective conscience of the American people, there are plenty of hurdles in his way.
