After weeks of intense pressure, the ailing US President Joe Biden finally relented and stepped aside as the Democrats’ nominee for the 2024 presidential election. Biden’s advanced age (he’s 81) and recent debate blunders spooked Democrat donors who threatened to pull out if he stayed on as the nominee. In his statement, Biden revealed that his decision was based on the “best interest of my party and the country.” He will, however, stay on as the president until the end of his term. He has endorsed his VP, Kamala Harris, to be the Democratic presidential nominee, as did former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and most elected Democrats.

But with Joe gone, is it too late? Biden’s stubbornness might be costly for the Democrats but pales in comparison to what the attempt on his rival, Donald Trump’s life, has done for Trump’s bid to return to the White House. 

The assassination attempt, which took place at a rally in Pennsylvania, has made Trump a sympathetic figure. And that’s not great. 

A Trump presidency would be terrible not only for the US but for the entire world. Here’s why: 

1. He doesn’t respect the developing world:

Remember when one of SA’s wealthiest people, Patrice Motsepe, told Trump at a World Economics Forum Meeting in Davos in 2020 that “Africa loves America. Africa loves you… we want America to do well. We want you to do well”? Well, a lot of people in the developing world love Trump, despite him calling Haiti, El Salvador and a bunch of African countries “sh*th*le countries” in 2018. A 2020 report from The Pew Research Center showed that 65% of Kenyans and 58% of Nigerians thought favourably of Trump, while only 42% of South Africans did. 

Etse Sinkaku, senior lecturer at Accra’s University of Media, Arts and Communication, said Africa must be wary of a second Trump presidency. “He doesn’t treat the continent with respect, undermines democratic ideals … what can you expect?” asks Sinkaku.

2. He and his party don’t respect reproductive rights:

There are also concerns that a Trump presidency could be disastrous for women’s reproductive rights. Republicans have been pushing anti-abortion laws in several states since The US Supreme Court overturned Roe vs Wade in 2022. Abortion is banned in more than a dozen states in the US, and more states are exploring their options. 

In February, the House of Representatives passed a measure in which they cut funding for the non-profit organisation Planned Parenthood, which specialises in providing reproductive and sexual healthcare and education in the US. Though the measure was defeated in the Senate, it’s pretty clear Republicans want to stifle the voice of people who get abortions. Trump himself has said the issue should be a “state issue.” But MSNBC columnist Sarah Posner argued that “No one should forget that Trump has bragged about how ‘pro-life’ his presidency was.”

3. America First, Everyone else last:

Should he win the November election, we could see an isolationist Trump presidency. Trump and the Republicans brand of protectionism, touted as “America First,” sounds appealing to his base but spells trouble for the rest of us. By imposing hefty tariffs on imported goods and services, Trump aims to bring jobs back to America. However, this approach often backfires. 

We told you about the US House of Representatives legislation requiring the Biden administration to review America’s relationship with South Africa thoroughly. Recent tensions between the United States and South Africa have cast uncertainty on their bilateral relationship, especially concerning the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). 

This is particularly bad for developing nations, which rely heavily on exporting goods to the US.

Trump’s hardline stance on China also poses significant risks globally. Escalating tensions between these two superpowers could lead to economic instability worldwide. For developing nations, this means disrupted supply chains, increased costs of goods, and potential involvement in proxy conflicts.

The US-China trade war under Trump’s previous term led to increased tariffs, impacting global markets. Developing nations found themselves caught in the crossfire, with export markets shrinking and economic growth stalling. A repeat performance could prove disastrous, especially in a post-pandemic world still struggling to recover.

4. The end of compassion?

During a rally in South Carolina in February, Trump recounted a conversation with a European leader about North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) defence funding. He criticised European countries for not paying their fair share and suggested he would not defend delinquent NATO members if Russia attacked them. 

This isn’t the first time he’s challenged the US’ NATO commitments and military support, raising concerns about US reliability in NATO, especially given the alliance’s role as a counterbalance to Russia’s aggression, particularly in the context of the war in Ukraine.

A Trump presidency could leave Ukraine vulnerable and Europe destabilised, which could have a far-reaching impact.

5. The fascist playbook:

The second Trump presidency, if it happens, will be coming at a time when we’re witnessing the rise of far-right ideologies globally.

Project 2025 is a 922-page agenda for Trump’s second coming, created by the far-right think tank Heritage Foundation. It’s been called “dystopian” and seeks to give the next Republican president unlimited powers. Although Trump has publicly distanced himself from it, saying he doesn’t know who is behind it, many question whether his denial is merely for optics. A CNN review found that 140 people who used to work for Trump when he was president are involved.

Trump’s return to the White House will affect America, but it will also have profound implications for the entire world, particularly the developing nations. The ramifications are far-reaching and deeply concerning, from economic policies that threaten livelihoods to a foreign policy that turns its back on global responsibilities. Here’s hoping the Democrats can get their house in order to stop Trump and his conservative buddies.