In an opinion piece for Rzeczpospolita, Prof. Grzegorz W. Kołodko examines the rhetoric surrounding Donald Trump's presidency, particularly his slogan 'Make America Great Again' and the claims made during his recent State of the Union address that the country is 'greater, better, richer, and stronger than ever.' Kołodko challenges Trump's portrayal of the U.S. as a recovering nation, asserting that underlying issues persist despite the optimistic narrative.

He points out that the recent Supreme Court decision undermines some of Trump's tariffs, which were a significant part of his economic promises. This decision highlights the fragility of the policies touted by Trump and raises questions about the validity of his assertions regarding the country's recovery and resilience. Local political dynamics in Poland, where discourse is similarly polarized, provide a backdrop to this analysis, suggesting that such divisive narratives are not exclusive to American politics but are evident in many democracies.

Overall, Kołodko’s commentary reflects a broader concern about political rhetoric that oversimplifies complex issues. He draws parallels between the American political landscape and the political situation in Poland, emphasizing that both countries experience similar tensions as they grapple with the implications of populism and the challenges posed by political leadership that prioritizes rhetoric over substance.