The Surprising Agenda of the New President
The Better Angels Initiative including a new reality TV show, “Angel Apprentice,” the Ask-Not Challenge includes a call for public service, encouraging citizens to volunteer in their communities, mentor youth, and support local businesses and much more… Who is this new Donald Trump?
IT WAS A CHILLY January 2025 morning in Washington, D.C., when the unthinkable happened. As the crowd gathered for the second inauguration of Donald J. Trump, the world braced itself for another four years of unpredictability. But in a twist no one saw coming, President Trump unveiled a Reborn American agenda that left even his most ardent critics in a state of stunned admiration.
In his inaugural address, Trump channeled the spirit of Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy, quoting Lincoln’s call for the “better angels of our nature” and Kennedy’s iconic challenge, “Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.” With a flourish, Trump declared, “My fellow Americans, it’s time for a new chapter. Let’s make America great again by making America good again.”
The first shocker was the announcement of the Better Angels Initiative. Modeled after Lincoln’s appeal for unity during the Civil War, Trump’s plan involves a nationwide campaign to promote kindness, compassion, and understanding. “We’re going to bring people together,” Trump said. “No more division, no more hatred. We’re going to love each other, bigly.”
The initiative includes funding for community-building projects, nationwide workshops on empathy and conflict resolution, and even a new reality TV show, “Angel Apprentice,” where contestants compete to perform acts of kindness. The winner gets a prime-time slot to spread their message of love and unity. Critics were left speechless, unsure if this was a stroke of genius or another surreal chapter in the Trump saga.
Next, Trump invoked JFK’s “Ask Not” speech, challenging Americans to step up and contribute to the nation’s betterment. “It’s time for all of us to pitch in,” he said. “We’re going to rebuild our infrastructure, reform our education system, and make healthcare affordable. And we’re going to do it together.”
The Ask-Not Challenge includes a call for public service, encouraging citizens to volunteer in their communities, mentor youth, and support local businesses. Trump also announced the creation of the “Kennedy Corps,” a new national service program that offers young people opportunities to work in education, healthcare, and environmental conservation.
But the real jaw-dropper came when Trump turned to immigration. In a move that seemed to defy everything his previous administration stood for, he vowed to renew Lady Liberty’s promise: “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.”
“We’re going to open our arms to the world’s most vulnerable,” Trump declared. “America has always been a beacon of hope, and we’re going to shine brighter than ever.” The new immigration policy includes pathways to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, expanded refugee resettlement programs, and a commitment to humane treatment of all asylum seekers.
As the world processed these announcements, the question on everyone’s mind was: What happened to the Trump we knew? Some speculated about a secret visit from the Ghosts of Presidents Past, while others whispered about a transformative experience during his hiatus from office. Theories ranged from an epiphany on the golf course to a life-changing moment while binge-watching “This Is Us.”
Reactions to Trump’s Reborn American agenda were as varied as they were intense. Supporters hailed it as proof of his unparalleled genius, a masterstroke that would secure his place in history. “This is the Trump I always knew was there,” said one enthusiastic MAGA hat-wearer. “He’s finally showing his true colors.”
Critics, meanwhile, were caught off guard. “Is this some kind of elaborate prank?” wondered a bewildered commentator on MSNBC. “Am I being punked?” But as the days went by and the initiatives rolled out, it became clear that this was no joke. The world watched in astonishment as Trump, once the king of divisive rhetoric, transformed into a champion of unity and compassion.
In his first 100 days, Trump’s administration focused on implementing the new agenda. The Better Angels Initiative saw millions of Americans participating in community events, spreading goodwill and understanding. The Ask-Not Challenge revitalized cities and towns across the country, with volunteers repairing infrastructure, tutoring students, and providing healthcare to the underserved.
The renewed immigration policy brought hope to countless families, as the Statue of Liberty once again became a symbol of America’s promise. Stories of new citizens contributing to their communities filled the news, painting a picture of a nation coming together like never before.
As President Trump settled into his second term, the world marveled at the transformation. Historians began to rewrite their narratives, pondering the enigmatic evolution of a man who had once been the most polarizing figure in modern politics. Some speculated that this was always part of Trump’s master plan, a long game to secure his legacy as a great unifier.
In the end, Trump’s Reborn American agenda did more than just surprise the world; it offered a glimmer of hope in a time of uncertainty. As the nation embraced the ideals of unity, service, and compassion, it became clear that even the most unlikely figures could inspire profound change.
So here’s to President Trump, the man who proved that it’s never too late to find your better angels, ask what you can do for your country, and renew the promise of a nation built on hope and opportunity. And in the words of Trump himself, “It’s going to be yuge.”
TONY CASTRO, the former award-winning Los Angeles columnist and author, is a writer-at-large and the national political writer for LAMonthly. org. He can be reached at tony@tonycastro.com.
