
Published on
Written by Mark Christian
"Omnia causa fiunt" – “Everything that happens, happens for a reason.”
When Donald J. Trump lost the 2020 election, it felt like a death knell for the American right. For many of his supporters, it seemed as though the final opportunity to restore America had slipped away. The globalist worldview, championed by both neoliberals and neoconservatives, appeared poised to reestablish itself as the unshakable status quo. It was a moment of despair for millions of Americans who believed in Trump’s vision for the nation.
Yet here we are, four years later, standing stronger than ever. Against all odds, the conservative movement has not only survived but emerged more united, more determined, and more capable than it was in 2020. This rebirth didn’t happen in spite of Trump’s loss—it happened because of it. Donald Trump’s absence from the presidency during the years 2020 to 2024 allowed for a recalibration that was absolutely necessary for the survival of his movement.
It is today, January 20, 2025, as he once again takes the oath of office, that we begin to implement the plan to save America—a plan that has been nearly nine years in the making. But to understand how we arrived at this point, we must first revisit the lessons learned from both triumph and defeat.
The year 2020 was one of the most tumultuous years in modern American history. The COVID-19 pandemic upended daily life, wreaking havoc on public health systems, businesses, and institutions. Meanwhile, widespread civil unrest erupted in cities across the country, fueled by political polarization, racial tensions, and distrust in authority.
Had Trump won re-election in this environment, his presidency would have been consumed by these crises. The media, already hostile during his first term, would have intensified their attacks, portraying every move he made as an affront to democracy or public health. Democrats, emboldened by their losses in 2016, would have used every tool at their disposal to obstruct his administration. With their control over the House retained in 2020, they would have had the means to continue obstruction. The result would have been a presidency bogged down in defensive battles, unable to make meaningful progress on critical issues like immigration, economic reform, and foreign policy.
This chaos would not have been limited to Washington, D.C. The fractures in the electorate, exacerbated by the tension of 2020, would have deepened. Moderates and independents—voters critical to any successful movement—might have grown even more disillusioned with the GOP, setting the stage for devastating losses in the 2022 midterms and a potential Democratic landslide in 2024.
While Trump’s first term achieved significant victories—such as tax reform, deregulation, and the appointment of conservative judges—it also exposed internal weaknesses. Many of his appointees were not fully aligned with his vision for America. Figures like John Bolton and James Mattis clashed with Trump’s America First agenda, prioritizing their own views over the president’s directives. Leaks from within the administration undermined trust and hindered progress.
If Trump had continued to be in office in 2020 these issues would have not been addressed, his second term would have likely been plagued by similar dysfunction. Especially if the Senate went to a 50/50 between Dems and Republicans. The establishment figures within the GOP, still influential at the time, would have continued to resist his agenda, creating a government at odds with itself. The results would have been a watered-down version of the populist vision that electrified his base in 2016, ultimately being driven by the establishment right.
In 2020, the Republican Party was still grappling with its identity. Trump had brought millions of new voters into the fold, but the traditional conservative wing of the GOP often clashed with the populist movement. These internal battles over the soul of the party needed time to play out. A premature second Trump term might have frozen these tensions, leaving the party divided and unable to adapt to the challenges of the 21st century.
Trump’s time out of office gave him the chance to reassess and rebuild his approach to leadership. Freed from the daily grind of the presidency, he had the space to reflect on the successes and failures of his first term. This period allowed him to identify the weak links in his team and replace them with individuals who shared his vision and were committed to its execution.
By 2025, Trump’s inner circle includes a blend of seasoned operatives, policy experts, and grassroots leaders who understand the stakes and are ready to deliver results. This stronger, more disciplined team is a direct result of the lessons learned during his years away from the White House.
The years 2020 to 2024 were transformative for the conservative movement. Grassroots organizations flourished, building a network of activists and voters who were more engaged than ever. New media platforms emerged, breaking the monopoly of the corporate press and giving voice to the concerns of ordinary Americans.
This period also saw a generational shift within the GOP. Younger conservatives, many of whom had been energized by Trump’s America First message, began to take leadership roles within the party. This new generation brought fresh ideas and a renewed sense of purpose, ensuring that the movement could adapt to a rapidly changing world.
The Biden administration inadvertently played a crucial role in reinvigorating the conservative movement. The policy failures and overreach of the Democratic Party during this period highlighted the consequences of abandoning common-sense governance. From skyrocketing inflation to a weakened foreign policy stance, the American people experienced firsthand the impact of left-wing policies. This reality check drove many moderates and independents toward the right, creating fertile ground for a political resurgence.
Moreover, the Biden years allowed conservatives to focus on messaging and strategy. Without the distraction of defending an active Trump administration, the right could shift its energy toward addressing cultural issues, rebuilding its media infrastructure, and organizing at the grassroots level. By the time the 2024 election arrived, the GOP was not only more unified but also better equipped to win both the presidency and key congressional seats.
As Donald J. Trump takes the oath of office for the second time, America finds itself at a crossroads. The challenges ahead are daunting, but the groundwork laid over the past four years provides a roadmap for success. The conservative movement has grown stronger, more focused, and more capable of achieving its vision for America.
The plan to save America, outlined nearly a decade ago, is now in motion. This plan emphasizes a renewed commitment to securing the border, revitalizing American industry, and restoring the cultural values that make our nation strong. It prioritizes the American worker, the American family, and the American dream—ensuring that our nation remains a beacon of hope and freedom for generations to come.
This new chapter is not just about reversing the damage done over the past four years. It’s about building something greater than we’ve ever had before. It’s about creating a nation that honors its past while boldly stepping into the future. It’s about ensuring that America’s best days are not behind us but ahead of us.
Today, we save America. But this moment is not the end of the journey—it’s the beginning. The work ahead will require determination, unity, and an unwavering belief in the values that make our nation exceptional. The lessons of the past four years remind us that even in our darkest moments, there is always hope. That everything that happens, happens for a reason.
As we move forward, let us remember that the fight for America is not just a political battle—it’s a fight for the soul of our nation. It’s a fight for the ideals that our ancestors fought and died for. It’s a fight for the future we will leave to our children and grandchildren.
Let this day mark the start of a new era. Let this day mark the rebirth of a nation united under the banner of freedom, justice, and opportunity for all. Let this day mark the moment when we, the American people, stood together and said, "We will not falter. We will not fail. We will save America."
Donald Trump’s loss in 2020 was not the end of the America First movement—it was the beginning of its renaissance. The challenges of the past four years have forged a stronger, more resilient conservative movement, one that is ready to meet the demands of the 21st century. Today, as Trump reclaims the presidency, the vision of a better, brighter America is closer than ever.
The road ahead will not be easy. But as history has shown us, greatness is born from struggle. The lessons of the past remind us that even in our darkest moments, the seeds of renewal are being sown. With unity, purpose, and an unshakable commitment to our values, we can and will save America.
Related Articles
About the Author
Mark Christian is a political commentator and contributor to America First Insight. Follow him on X (formerly Twitter).
Stay Updated
Get the latest updates from America First Insight. Subscribe to our newsletter for more political news and insights!