As Donald Trump returned to the White House in January 2025, his first weeks in office were marked by swift action, bold policy moves, and significant controversy.
From foreign policy swift changes to domestic economic reforms, the Trump administration has made headlines worldwide. While his return has been met with both fierce criticism and strong support, one thing is clear—Trump wasted no time in making his mark on the U.S. government once again.
Trump’s supporters are calling him “the bulldozer” (for his radical policy-making) and “people’s president” underlining that he came to the US to make it the country for its citizens, not for anyone else.
Controversial decisions and backlash
One of the most polarizing moves of Trump’s early presidency was his proposed plan for Gaza. The administration suggested that the U.S. take control of the region, relocate Palestinians to neighboring countries, and transform Gaza into an economic hub.
Later Trump proposed to move Palestinians to the European countries that are recognizing the State of Palestine and are strong critics of Israel’s actions in the region. This proposal faced immediate rejection from the mentioned countries.
Spain’s Foreign Minister, José Manuel Albares, emphasized that “the land of Palestinian Gazans is Gaza” and asserted that “no third party should tell us what to do.” Similarly, Ireland’s Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, labeled Katz’s comments as “provocative” and reiterated that the only viable solution is a “two-state solution.”
The proposal faced mixed opinions, with many nations calling it a violation of international law and a potential act of ethnic cleansing. Human rights groups and Arab nations have firmly rejected the idea, raising concerns about forced displacement and its long-term consequences for Middle East stability.
President Donald Trump also proposed a plan to resolve the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The key elements of this proposal include initiating a ceasefire along the current front lines, compelling both nations to engage in peace negotiations, and leveraging U.S. military and economic aid to facilitate these discussions.
A notable aspect of the plan involves Ukraine granting the U.S. access to its abundant rare earth minerals as compensation for the extensive military and economic support provided by the U.S. Zelenskyy refused to give the land, but wasn’t against the idea of negotiations with the US support.
Domestically, the administration’s aggressive immigration policies have also drawn criticism. Trump reinstated and expanded his previous travel bans, sparking outrage among civil rights groups.
His renewed push to complete the U.S.-Mexico border wall and increase deportations has led to protests in several major cities. Despite the backlash, his supporters argue that these policies fulfill his campaign promises and protect American interests.
Another reason for the criticism of Trump’s administration is tariffs on imports that might cause negative effects on the economy. First of all, Americans are arguing that tariffs will affect the house prices due to the increasing cost of building homes. Cars are also likely to increase by $3000 as parts cross US, Canadian and Mexican borders multiple times.
Positive changes and economic growth
Despite the controversies, Trump’s administration has also made strides in areas that have been positively received. One of his key economic initiatives was a new tax relief package aimed at small businesses and middle-class Americans. By reducing corporate tax rates and simplifying the tax code, his administration argues that this move will boost job creation and encourage investment.
Additionally, Trump has placed a strong emphasis on energy independence, fast-tracking new oil drilling projects and easing restrictions on domestic energy production. This move has been praised by industry leaders who believe it will lower energy costs and reduce reliance on foreign oil.
Another significant development has been the administration’s focus on deregulation. Trump signed several executive orders aimed at rolling back regulations on businesses, particularly in the manufacturing and technology sectors. This has been welcomed by corporations and investors, who see it as a boost to economic growth and innovation.
Although Trump was harshly criticized for his deportation policy, the statistics show that border crossings drop by 90% this year.
The political landscape moving forward
Trump’s return to office has proven to be just as polarizing as his first term, with both strong opposition and loyal support shaping the political landscape. His bold and often controversial decisions have reinforced his image as a leader willing to challenge the status quo. However, with ongoing international disputes and domestic tensions, his administration faces significant challenges in the months ahead.
As the country adapts to his leadership once again, the debate over whether Trump’s policies will ultimately benefit or harm the U.S. remains as intense as ever. Whether history will judge his second presidency as a success or a failure depends largely on the long-term outcomes of his ambitious—and often contentious—initiatives.
Dear reader,
Opinions expressed in the op-ed section are solely those of the individual author and do not represent the official stance of our newspaper. We believe in providing a platform for a wide range of voices and perspectives, even those that may challenge or differ from our own. We remain committed to providing our readers with high-quality, fair, and balanced journalism. Thank you for your continued support.
