Politico editor-in-chief considers Trump a significant American figure of his time due to his impact.

John F. Harris, Politico's global editor-in-chief, contends in a recent article that President Donald Trump's re-election demonstrates his complete control over American politics, making him a likely candidate for the country's most influential leaders.

Harris stated that he did not characterize Trump as righteous or evil, nor did he claim that he has been a successful president, but he emphasized that his impact is significant regardless of his actions.

In his Tuesday column, Harris declared that he is a force of history.

The editor-in-chief stated that Trump's second inauguration on Monday has changed his image, as he now holds power under circumstances that make it clear he is the greatest American figure of his time.

Trump's assessment is an objective description of his record, as Harris pointed out. The president began by dominating the GOP a decade ago and now dominates every discussion of American politics broadly.

Despite his opponents in the media criticizing Trump's flaws for a decade, his second victory proves that he is not a fluke. The editor-in-chief stated that Trump has the ability to perceive opportunities and forge powerful, sustained connections with large groups of people in ways that no contemporary can match. He admitted that he was slow to recognize this power.

Harris stated that Trump's political opponents cannot push him to the margins by treating him as a momentary anomaly or simply denouncing him as lawless and illegitimate.

"Opponents must acknowledge that he and his movement represent a significant historical argument and then mount similarly significant arguments to defeat it."

Harris compared Trump's traits to those of the most consequential presidents.

"Trump, like influential predecessors, has shifted the terms of debate on issues such as trade, China, and the role of big corporations. Additionally, he has been a communications innovator and effectively exploited technological shifts."

The most consequential presidents have demonstrated a unique psychological toughness, as noted by the author.

"Running for president while facing civil suits, criminal prosecutions, and even felony convictions, and still emerging as a larger figure than before, is a remarkable feat. It requires a unique combination of denial, combativeness, and resilience."

Several unifying presidents of American history were viewed as divisive in their time, and Harris suggests that Trump may follow a similar path in the future.

Trump has not demonstrated his ability to unite the country, he acknowledged, stating, "Despite his first term and improbable journey to a second, Trump failed to resolve conflicts and bring the country together on a new level of understanding. To achieve this, he must reveal a new understanding of himself and how to use the next four years."