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Donald Trump’s return to the presidency on January 20, 2025, signaled a seismic shift in U.S. politics. Marking the beginning of his second term, the inauguration was a spectacle of his characteristic bravado and unrelenting commitment to his “America First” vision.
From his inaugural speech to his immediate policy moves, Trump’s first day back in office set a tone of swift and dramatic action that has drawn both domestic and international attention.
Trump wasted no time in demonstrating his intent to overhaul the U.S. political landscape. Within hours of taking the oath of office, he signed a series of executive orders aimed at fulfilling campaign promises.
These included controversial pardons for January 6 rioters—even those convicted of assaulting police officers—a decision that has already sparked intense debate across the political spectrum. The symbolism was clear: Trump’s second term would be as combative and polarizing as his first.
Just a while back, we also wrote a feature about how Trump indirectly saved TikTok ban in the US. It’s an interesting read too.
“America First” agenda in full swing
Central to Trump’s vision is his “America First” agenda, which featured prominently in his inaugural address. His repeated use of words like “American,” “America,” “Nation,” and “Country” highlighted his focus on domestic priorities, a stark contrast to Joe Biden’s 2021 address, which emphasized “Democracy.”
Tariffs and Trade Policies
Trump announced his intent to impose a sweeping 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico by February 1, with additional measures under review. He outlined plans to restructure trade policies to bolster domestic industries, even hinting at universal tariffs.
A new IRS branch dedicated to collecting tariffs and foreign revenue is in the works, potentially reshaping the role of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Economists have expressed concern about the potential for increased costs to American consumers and retaliatory measures from trading partners.
A hardline immigration stance
Immigration reform has returned as a top priority for Trump, with immediate actions targeting what he describes as “rampant abuse of the system.” Among these measures are an executive order to end birthright citizenship, new restrictions on sanctuary cities, and increased border enforcement.
Military at the Border
Trump has directed the Defense Department to deploy additional resources to the southern border and is reportedly considering invoking the Insurrection Act of 1807 to justify military involvement. These moves have raised alarms among state and city officials, many of whom are scrambling to prepare for potential immigration raids. Sanctuary cities are reinforcing ordinances to resist federal intervention, setting the stage for legal battles and public protests.
Controversial pardons and domestic policy changes
The pardoning of January 6 rioters has emerged as one of Trump’s most divisive actions to date. Critics, including Democratic leaders and police organizations, argue that the pardons undermine the rule of law and embolden political violence. However, Trump’s supporters view these actions as a necessary step to rectify what they see as political persecution.
Domestic policy directives
On the domestic front, Trump has ordered federal staffers working on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives to go on leave, signaling a rollback of progressive policies from the previous administration. He also prioritized disaster aid, particularly for California wildfires, though his plans for funding such initiatives remain unclear. During a meeting with GOP leaders, he introduced what he described as a “big, beautiful bill,” a sweeping legislative package aimed at furthering his agenda.
International reactions
Trump’s return to power has elicited mixed reactions from the global community. While some leaders offered congratulatory messages, others expressed concern over his policies.
Trade and immigration policies
Canada and Mexico, in particular, have bristled at Trump’s tariff proposals and immigration measures. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau criticized the planned tariffs as “short-sighted,” while Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador called for diplomacy to prevent economic fallout.
Withdrawal from global agreements
True to his campaign rhetoric, Trump announced the U.S. withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Paris Climate Agreement. These decisions have drawn widespread criticism, with European leaders emphasizing the need for stronger cooperation in the face of global challenges. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, wary of Trump’s unpredictable foreign policy, urged European nations to bolster their unity.
Setting the stage for a turbulent term
Trump’s first day in office was a masterclass in delivering on his promise of swift and decisive action. However, the implications of his policies—both domestically and internationally—remain uncertain. His aggressive stance on immigration, trade, and governance has already begun to polarize the nation, setting the stage for a contentious and potentially turbulent term.
Observers note that while Trump’s actions resonate with his base, they have also intensified divisions within the U.S. and strained relationships abroad. As the world watches, the impact of Trump’s policies will likely reverberate for years to come, leaving an indelible mark on the American political landscape.
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