[disgruntledphd2]

To be fair, he said he would do all this crazy stuff the first time but didn't. So there's some evidence for the position that he wouldn't do crazy stuff.

Also, it's hard for people to understand that someone in power might just not understand why their decisions are a terrible, terrible idea (see politicians and backdooring encryption for a tech example of this).

[beAbU]

He didn't do those things, or he couldn't? Not too familiar with American politics, but AIUI his majority was much weaker last time round, possibly resulting in some of his crazy being kept under control?

[andelink]

Yes, he couldn't. Anyone paying attention knows he tried.

[disgruntledphd2]

Well it was more that basically all the people he appointed talked him down last time.

This time he picked based on loyalty, so it's pretty much whatever he wants (apparently tariffs).