As President Donald Trump takes office today, I invite those in my network to take an optimistic attitude toward the next four years.

Imagine if Mr. Trump and his leadership team are actually able to help put an end to the daily slaughter of Ukrainian, Russian – and now North Korean – soldiers? (For the record, I value the lives of soldiers as much as civilians, as the men and women who fight for their countries are often people of strong character. I have certainly seen this to be the case in my home country of Canada.)

Imagine if he and his team can help prevent bombs from being dropped in the Middle East and can help ensure that abundant aid is delivered to those displaced in Gaza?

What if he plays a role in making world peace a thing again?

What if he and his team actually crack down on crime including corporate corruption?

What if he and his team enact policies that make streets safer and reduce drug-related deaths in the U.S. and globally?

Of course, I am concerned that politically motivated over-prosecution of Mr. Trump in recent years and a series of assassination attempts may have affected him to the point at which vengeance and power have become more important than running the country in a sensible manner. However, for now, I am optimistic.

I am hopeful that Mr. Trump will focus on making America great again without making the world weaker. But I will be watching closely.

(Rob Driscoll – BIG Media Ltd., 2025)