In just 30 days since his return to the White House, Donald Trump has unleashed a series of actions that have dramatically shaken the political, economic, and social landscape in both the United States and globally. Aggressive trade tariffs, massive deportations, controversial alliances, and a disruptive foreign policy are just a few of the contentious moves made by the New York magnate during this initial phase of his presidency.
The Initial Controversial Month
“The golden era of America begins now,” declared Trump on January 20, during his inauguration. His return to power has been anything but low-key, with the signing of 73 executive orders. These orders encompass a wide range of measures, from pardoning participants in the Capitol assault, renaming the Gulf of Mexico, to dismissing prosecutors from the Biden era and imposing restrictions on transgender individuals in women's sports.
Mass Deportations and Renewed Immigration Battle
Among his first actions, Trump declared a national emergency at the border with Mexico. He deployed 15,000 troops to "secure" the southern border and initiated mass detentions of undocumented immigrants. Over 1,000 individuals have been deported within just a month. In a more contentious move, he reactivated the Guantánamo naval base in Cuba to detain undocumented immigrants, with a capacity for 30,000 detainees. The first deportees have already been sent to countries like Guatemala and Colombia, following diplomatic pressure that included threats of imposing tariffs.
Aggressive Tariffs and Global Trade War
Trump's economic policy has been dominated by the imposition of tariffs. On February 1, he announced a 25% tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada, conditioned on concessions regarding border control and drug trafficking. China, a primary target, received 10% tariffs that could escalate to 60%. In retaliation, the Asian giant imposed tariffs of 10-15% on U.S. products. The European Union has not been spared either, with Trump declaring reciprocal tariffs to match those imposed on American goods by European countries.
Disruptive Foreign Policy: Ukraine and Gaza
In his pledge to end the war in Ukraine, Trump has made controversial moves. He proposed continuing military support to Kyiv in exchange for access to strategic minerals. Additionally, his rapprochement with Russia excluded the European Union from the negotiation process, leaving Ukraine in a vulnerable position. Tensions reached new heights with inflammatory statements against Volodymyr Zelensky, whom Trump called a "dictator." In Gaza, Trump proposed transforming the Strip into a "Middle Eastern Riviera," forcibly displacing the Palestinian population. This plan, backed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has faced harsh criticism from the international community.
Reviving Sanctions Against Cuba and Halting Key Immigration Programs
Upon his return to the presidency, Donald Trump enacted a series of measures impacting U.S.-Cuba relations and the immigration status of Cubans. On January 20, 2025, Trump reversed the decision of his predecessor, Joe Biden, to remove Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism. Alongside re-adding Cuba to this list, the Trump administration intensified economic sanctions against the island. These measures included additional restrictions on trade and finance, aiming to pressure the Cuban government. Consequently, companies like Western Union have suspended operations on the island, affecting remittance transfers.
Trump signed executive orders eliminating the humanitarian parole program, which allowed legal entry and temporary stay for migrants from countries like Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. The CBP One application, a tool used for managing asylum applications and other immigration processes, was also deactivated. These actions have left thousands of migrants in legal limbo, creating uncertainty about their status in the United States.
The latest blow to Cuban immigrants was the "administrative pause" in the immigration processes for hundreds of thousands of beneficiaries of programs like humanitarian parole and family reunification. This suspension, justified by concerns over fraud and security, affects those hoping to regularize their immigration status, leaving them uncertain about their future in the United States.
More Controversial Measures
Environmental policies have also taken a drastic turn, with the removal of regulations that restricted oil and gas extraction. Under the slogan "Drill, baby, drill!" Trump has pushed an energy agenda that disregards warnings about climate change. He signed an executive order granting the White House unprecedented control over independent regulatory agencies established by Congress. Additionally, he cut off federal aid for undocumented immigrants and attempted to eliminate birthright citizenship.
In the labor field, Trump ordered mass layoffs at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amidst growing concerns over rising air accidents. He also proposed the immediate closure of the Department of Education and dismantled energy efficiency regulations previously imposed by the Biden administration.
Elon Musk: The New Power Player in the White House
Elon Musk has emerged as a key figure in the new government. Heading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), he has spearheaded the closure of federal agencies and the massive reduction of personnel, with 75,000 officials already out of the system. The elimination of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) marks the end of traditional U.S. international cooperation. Musk has also implemented a system to audit public spending, aiming to reduce the $2 trillion fiscal deficit.
Withdrawal from International Agreements and Global Tensions
In an isolationist move, Trump withdrew the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the United Nations Human Rights Council. He also suspended U.S. participation in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Furthermore, he declassified files related to the assassinations of John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, and Martin Luther King Jr., a move that could reveal secrets hidden for decades.
A Month That Has Altered the Global Landscape
Trump's first month has redefined global geopolitical alliances, strained trade relations with traditional partners, and raised the risk of international conflicts. His "America First" policy has translated into a unilateral approach that has challenged the multilateral relations that have historically defined Washington's global position. With 47 months ahead, the world watches with uncertainty to see how far Trump will go in his attempt to transform not only the United States but the global order.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trump's New Initiatives
What significant changes has Trump made in his first month back in office?
Trump has issued 73 executive orders, including aggressive trade tariffs, mass deportations, controversial foreign policy actions, and significant cuts to federal agencies.
How has Trump's policy affected immigration?
Trump declared a national emergency at the Mexican border, resulting in the deployment of troops and mass deportations. He also eliminated the humanitarian parole program and deactivated the CBP One application, leaving many migrants in legal limbo.
What is the impact of Trump's trade tariffs?
Trump's tariffs have led to trade tensions with countries like Mexico, Canada, China, and the European Union, resulting in reciprocal tariffs and potential trade wars.