In his first week back in the White House, has wasted no time implementing a series of sweeping and controversial actions that have sent shockwaves through the Washington and the country.
From immigration crackdowns to cultural policy shifts, Trump’s early moves signal a presidency determined to reshape the nation in his image, sparking both fervent support and fierce opposition.
Immigration Crackdown and Border Emergency
One of Trump’s most immediate and polarizing actions was declaring a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border. This declaration has allowed the deployment of 1,500 additional troops to the border, with plans to expand that number to 10,000 in the coming weeks. The troops are tasked with assisting Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in erecting barriers and repelling migrants. Trump also reinstated Title 42, a pandemic-era policy that allows for the rapid expulsion of asylum seekers, and ended the CBP One app, which had facilitated legal entry for migrants under the Biden administration.
In a move that has already sparked legal challenges, Trump signed an executive order to end birthright citizenship, a right guaranteed under the 14th Amendment. This action has been met with lawsuits from 22 states, arguing that the order is unconstitutional. Additionally, the administration has begun mass deportations, with reports of flights carrying undocumented immigrants being blocked by foreign governments, including Mexico.
Cultural and Social Policy Shifts
Trump has also taken aim at cultural and social policies, issuing an executive order to officially recognize only two genders—male and female—across all federal government operations. This move has drawn sharp criticism from LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, who argue it erases the rights of transgender and nonbinary individuals. Trump has also banned transgender individuals from serving in the military and participating in women’s sports, further escalating the culture wars.
In another sweeping action, Trump ordered the dismantling of all Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs across federal agencies. Federal DEI employees have been placed on leave, with plans for eventual layoffs. The administration has warned federal employees against concealing DEI-related roles, threatening “adverse consequences” for noncompliance.
Environmental Rollbacks
Trump has reversed several key environmental policies enacted during the Biden administration. He withdrew the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement, citing the need to prioritize domestic energy production. He also lifted restrictions on offshore drilling and reopened areas in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for oil exploration. Declaring an “energy emergency,” Trump has signaled a return to fossil fuel dominance, a move that has alarmed environmentalists and climate scientists.
Foreign Policy and National Security
On the international stage, Trump has frozen most foreign aid, with exceptions for military assistance to Israel and Egypt. This decision has drawn criticism from allies and humanitarian organizations, who warn of the potential destabilizing effects. Trump has also designated the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen as a terrorist organization, reversing a Biden-era policy.
Domestically, Trump has pardoned over 1,500 individuals charged or convicted for their roles in the January 6 Capitol attack, including high-profile figures like Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes and Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio. This mass pardon has been widely condemned as a dangerous precedent, signaling leniency for political violence.
Trump’s Revenge: Pardons and Retaliation
Trump’s first week has also been marked by what many are calling a campaign of revenge against his perceived enemies. In addition to pardoning January 6th rioters, Trump has revoked the security clearances of several former officials who were critical of him during his first term. Among those targeted are former National Security Advisor John Bolton, former Defense Secretary Mark Esper, and former FBI Director Christopher Wray. Trump has also stripped these individuals of their Secret Service protection, leaving them vulnerable to potential threats.
This move has been widely criticized as vindictive and dangerous, with some experts warning it could put these individuals’ lives at risk. Trump’s actions have also extended to law enforcement, with reports that he has ordered the Department of Justice to investigate police officers who testified against January 6th rioters or cooperated with the House Select Committee on the Capitol attack. Some officers have already reported receiving threats, raising concerns about their safety.
Critics argue that these actions are part of a broader effort to intimidate dissenters and consolidate power. Trump’s supporters, however, have praised the moves as a necessary step to “drain the swamp” and hold his opponents accountable.
Cabinet Confirmations and Controversies
Trump’s Cabinet appointments have also drawn scrutiny. Pete Hegseth, a former Fox News host, was confirmed as Secretary of Defense after a tie-breaking vote by Vice President J.D. Vance. Critics have questioned Hegseth’s qualifications and raised concerns about his partisan background. Meanwhile, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump’s nominee for Health and Human Services, is set to face a contentious confirmation hearing next week.
Economic and Trade Policies
On the economic front, Trump has promised sweeping tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China, with plans to impose a 25% tariff on all goods from the neighboring countries. He has also temporarily paused the ban on TikTok, giving the Chinese-owned app 75 days to sell its U.S. operations. This decision has drawn mixed reactions, with some praising the move as a pragmatic compromise and others criticizing it as inconsistent with Trump’s tough-on-China rhetoric.
Polarized Reactions
Trump’s actions have been met with a mix of praise and outrage. Supporters argue that he is fulfilling campaign promises and taking bold steps to address issues like immigration and energy independence. Critics, however, warn that his policies are divisive, unconstitutional, and harmful to vulnerable communities.
Legal challenges are already mounting against many of Trump’s executive orders, setting the stage for prolonged battles in the courts. Meanwhile, protests have erupted across the country, with activists decrying what they see as an assault on civil rights, environmental protections, and democratic norms.
A Presidency Defined by Controversy
Trump’s first week in office has set the tone for what promises to be a tumultuous second term. With a Republican-controlled Congress largely backing his agenda, Trump appears emboldened to push through his policies with little regard for opposition. As the nation grapples with the implications of his actions, one thing is clear: Trump’s presidency is once again poised to dominate headlines and spark fierce debate.