Trump initially in near enlightened state (7)
I believe the answer is:
nirvana
'enlightened state' is the definition.
I can't explain the rest of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for nirvana that I've seen before include "blessed release" , "Buddhists' transcendental state" , "serene place" , "State of perfect happiness" , "Kurt Cobain's grunge band" .)