Trump's inaugural month marked by forced removals, import taxes, and Gaza's proposed luxury development: a stormy start in the Oval Office
In the first month of his second term, President Donald Trump has made a series of sweeping changes across various sectors, marking a sharp policy pivot and a strong use of executive authority.
Immigration and Border Control
Trump ordered the activation of 30,000 beds at the Guantanamo naval base to detain undocumented immigrants. He also considered suspending habeas corpus related to immigration cases, a move that raised constitutional concerns. The administration announced the launch of "Gold Card" residency permits for wealthy immigrants at $5 million each.
Energy and Environment
Trump declared a national energy emergency and initiated US withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accords. He also lifted sanctions imposed by the previous administration on Israeli settler and far-right groups in the West Bank and promoted a radical shift in environmental policies, based on ignoring climate change and promoting the extraction of oil and gas.
Federal Governance
Trump granted extensive powers to Elon Musk in his role at the Department of Governmental Efficiency (DOGE). He also signed executive orders to limit collective bargaining agreements before a new president takes office and to review aviation safety hiring practices. Trump symbolically declared English the official US language.
International Relations
Trump froze U.S. funds intended for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), which Israel has banned in its territory. He also imposed "reciprocal tariffs" on all goods from all countries, affecting even those products taxed with VAT. Trump's plan for Gaza involves permanently displacing the Palestinian population of the enclave, a move that has been widely criticized by the international community. Trump suggested the possibility of assuming sovereignty over Greenland and retaking control of the Panama Canal.
Trade
Trump's trade war continues with aluminum and steel, to which he applied 25% tariffs "without exceptions or exemptions." He also signed taxes of 10% on Chinese products, effective from the third day, although he warned during his campaign that he would raise them to a minimum of 60%.
Social Policy
Trump promoted a radical shift in environmental policies, based on ignoring climate change and promoting the extraction of oil and gas. He also imposed a 25% tariff on all Canadian and Mexican imports, which was postponed in exchange for commitments from his neighbors in the fight against drug trafficking and illegal entry of people into the United States. Trump has defined gender strictly as male/female.
Controversial Actions
Trump has signed around seventy executive orders, including the dismissal of all prosecutors from the Biden era and the pardon of his followers who participated in the storming of the Capitol. Trump called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky a 'dictator' and Zelensky accused Trump of being trapped in a 'misinformation bubble'.
Ukraine and Russia
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov met in Riyadh to begin working on a plan to end the conflict, which has been widely criticized by Ukraine and the European Union.
Economic Aid
Trump imposed a 90-day pause on most foreign aid. He also proposed to Ukraine to continue military support in exchange for U.S. access to rare earth Ukrainian lands rich in minerals.
Education
Trump promoted school choice through universal K-12 scholarships. He also issued orders to combat anti-Semitism more aggressively.
Musk's Influence
Musk has pushed for the closure of federal agencies responsible for promoting diversity and cutting funds for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
These changes, while controversial, reflect the strong stance that President Trump has taken in his second term, signaling a departure from the policies of the previous administration.
- Crimes related to border control have increased due to the activation of 30,000 beds at the Guantanamo naval base for detaining undocumented immigrants.
- Scientists express concern over the President's move to suspend habeas corpus related to immigration cases.
- The President's administration launched "Gold Card" residency permits for wealthy immigrants, raising questions about climate change and environmental policies.
- The President declared a national emergency in energy, initiating US withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accords, signaling a shift in environmental science.
- Financial institutions are monitoring the impact of the President's proposal to limit collective bargaining agreements before a new president takes office.
- Space and astronomy enthusiasts anticipate potential advancements with Elon Musk's extensive powers in the Department of Governmental Efficiency (DOGE).
- Cybersecurity experts are concerned about potential vulnerabilities due to the proposed radical changes in environmental policies promoting oil and gas extraction.
- Lifestyle choices may be affected by the President's immigration policies, as wealthy immigrants bid on residency permits.
- Fashion and beauty trends are unpredictable as they often reflect current cultural and political climates, including the polarizing effects of Trump's policies.
- Food and drink industries are adjusting to 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports.
- Investors are keeping a close eye on the President's trade policies and their potential impact on the economy.
- Businesses are adapting to the President's policy pivot, particularly in the field of environmental science.
- Personal finance advisors are advising clients to prepare for potential economic changes following the President's executive orders.
- Data and cloud computing companies are considering the implications of the President's decision to review aviation safety hiring practices.
- Technological advancements may be affected by the President's policies, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence.
- Relationships within political circles are strained due to the President's controversial actions and rhetoric.
- Pet owners are concerned about animal welfare regulations, which could be affected by the President's policy changes.
- Travel agencies are reporting a drop in bookings to countries affected by the President's tariffs and sanctions.
- Car manufacturers are assessing the impact of the President's trade policies on their industries.
- Bookstores are experiencing increased sales of books on political science and policy-making.
- Schools are implementing universal K-12 scholarships in line with the President's educational policy.
- Musk's influence is felt in the closure of federal agencies promoting diversity.
- The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is facing budget cuts due to Musk's push for funding cuts.
- The President's policies have led to a surge in investing in resources such as rare earth minerals.
- Personal growth and self-development might be impacted by the shifting climate-change debate.
- Big wins in the casino-and-gambling industry are influenced by evolving gambling trends and the President's stance on such activities.
- Online shopping platforms are reporting increased sales of items related to social media, movies, and TV shows, reflecting pop culture trends.
- Political analysts are examining the impact of the President's policies on war and conflicts, both domestically and abroad, particularly in regions such as Ukraine and Russia.
