The second presidency of Donald Trump in 2025 has been marked by sweeping and often controversial actions domestically and internationally. Within the first eight months, Trump signed over 200 executive orders, aggressively expanding presidential powers, particularly through immigration policies, government deregulation, and tariff implementations. His administration reinstated the national emergency at the southern border, designated drug cartels as terrorist organizations, and initiated mass deportations alongside attempts to restrict birthright citizenship. These moves have faced significant legal challenges, with many orders being contested in courts as unconstitutional.
On immigration, the administration launched the “Laken Riley Act” and introduced “Gold Card” residency permits for wealthy immigrants at $5 million each. Trump also toured new detention facilities for immigrants and limited access to federal preschool programs for undocumented children. Enforcement intensified with heightened ICE raids and deportations reaching tens of thousands within the early months of 2025. Trump’s policies generated widespread protests across the nation, dubbed the “No Kings” movement, manifesting from perceived authoritarian tendencies and threats to civil liberties.
Economically, Trump has championed tariffs, particularly against China, linking them to efforts to curb fentanyl imports blamed for the opioid epidemic in the U.S. These tariff policies included threats to impose 100% tariffs on countries engaging with Russia amid the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war. Market reactions were volatile, but the administration maintains these actions are essential to protecting American interests. The Trump administration also froze billions in infrastructure spending in Democratic strongholds during a government shutdown, coupled with mass layoffs of federal civil servants under the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Internationally, Trump’s administration played a pivotal role in the Middle East conflict, supporting Israel during the Iran-Israel war, brokering ceasefires, and pushing peace negotiations around Gaza. In the Russo-Ukrainian war, the administration engaged in peace efforts, aid packages, and diplomatic summits, including a tense meeting with Vladimir Putin in Alaska which ended without a truce. The administration urged European allies to take a stronger stance against Russia and China, imposing sanctions and leveraging economic pressure to curtail Russian aggression and Chinese support for Russia’s war.
Significant diplomatic successes included brokering a peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan, ending a decades-long conflict. However, challenges remained, with ongoing unrest domestically and an increasingly strained legislative environment as courts struck down multiple admin actions for overreach. Trump’s second term is notable for intensifying polarization, aggressive executive actions, and a foreign policy focused on selective engagement and tariff diplomacy.
Overall, Trump’s 2025 presidency is characterized by a forceful and often contentious agenda aimed at reshaping immigration, trade, government operations, and foreign relations amidst fierce opposition and societal unrest. The administration’s struggle with courts and protest movements underscores a fraught political landscape with profound implications for American democracy and global standing. /curation missing categories
