• Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala's unopposed bid for a second term as WTO head could be challenged by Trump's potential return.
• Trump's first term saw him paralyze the WTO's top court and impose tariffs, and his return could lead to a messy period for trade.
• The WTO's consensus-based decision-making process has often hindered progress, and Trump's return could further impact this.
• Trump's victory in the 2024 election, despite controversy, marks a significant shift in U.S. politics with potential implications for global trade and the WTO.

The World Trade Organization (WTO) is currently witnessing an unopposed bid for a second term by its head, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. However, the potential return of Donald Trump to the White House could pose a significant challenge to her reappointment.

Okonjo-Iweala, who made history as the WTO's first female Director-General, enjoys broad support among WTO members. Yet, her reappointment is not a foregone conclusion, even in the absence of a challenger.

During Trump's first term from 2017 to 2021, he paralyzed the WTO's top adjudications court by blocking judge appointments and announced tariffs on U.S. imports of steel and aluminum. His administration also sought to block Okonjo-Iweala's first term, and she only secured U.S. backing when President Joe Biden succeeded Trump.

If Trump returns to power, the trade body is likely to face a messy, recriminatory period for trade. Trump has promised to impose a 10% tariff on all imports and higher rates on countries such as China.

Trump's Potential Impact on WTO and Global Trade

The WTO is already facing high levels of frustration, with a major ministerial meeting in Abu Dhabi achieving minimal results and no breakthroughs on agriculture, fisheries, and other key topics. The organization's consensus-based decision-making process, which requires agreement from all 166 members, has often hindered progress over its 30-year existence.

Trump's potential return to the White House could also impact the U.S.'s relationship with the WTO. Carlos Vejar, a former Mexican trade negotiator, suggested that a new Trump presidency would likely sidestep the organization as he focuses on relocating production to the U.S. and speeding up countermeasures against imports for sensitive industries.

Trump's Victory in the 2024 U.S. Election

In the 2024 U.S. election, Trump emerged victorious, marking a significant political comeback. His victory was met with mixed reactions, with some supporters expressing surprise at the margin of his win in key swing states. Trump's focus on the economy was highlighted as a key factor in his victory, with supporters suggesting that a focus on reducing inflation and prices could help to ease tensions within the country.

However, Trump's victory was not without controversy. His conviction on 34 felony counts related to a hush money scheme in 2020 raised questions about his eligibility to vote in Florida. Despite this, Trump was able to cast his ballot due to a New York law passed in 2021 that allows convicted felons to register to vote if they are not incarcerated and restores their voting rights upon release.