Donald Trump’s first week back in the White House set the stage for what promises to be another tumultuous term. His actions and statements have already stirred controversy, reflecting both the familiar Trump style and a new, more calculated approach to governing. From sweeping pardons to a revitalised agenda, Trump wasted no time asserting his power.
An Empowered President: Rewarding Allies and Punishing Critics
One of Trump’s first acts upon taking office was the pardoning of over 1,500 individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. These individuals, many of whom were responsible for violent clashes with police, were granted clemency in a stark reversal of earlier statements by his vice president, JD Vance, who had suggested that only non-violent offenders would be pardoned.
This decision, emblematic of Trump’s strategy to reward his supporters and punish those who oppose him, was not limited to pardons. He also ended protective security details for former officials such as Dr. Anthony Fauci, John Bolton, and Mike Pompeo, even as they faced threats to their safety. In addition, he revoked the security clearances of several former government figures who had publicly criticised him, including Bolton, and ordered the removal of General Mark Milley’s portrait from Pentagon walls.
Trump’s early actions indicated that without the pressure of re-election or legal concerns, he was determined to govern with little restraint. Backed by a Republican Congress, the newly re-elected president was keen to consolidate power and enact a range of policies to reshape the federal government.
A More Organised Trump: Swift Actions in His Second Term
Unlike his first term, which was characterised by chaos and a lack of clear direction, Trump’s second term has so far seen a much more organised approach. Recognising that time in office is invaluable, he moved swiftly to implement a series of executive orders and policy shifts.
These included the expulsion of holdover Biden appointees and the cancellation of federal diversity and inclusion programmes that had been introduced under the previous administration. Trump also sent federal troops to the U.S.-Mexico border and rolled back Biden’s regulations on artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency, making it clear that his administration would prioritise its agenda with far greater efficiency than before.Despite facing limitations on his constitutional powers, Trump demonstrated a new level of political savvy, bypassing obstacles more effectively than in his first term. Yet, he has not fully moved away from his old ways, as his behaviour continued to provoke legal and public challenges.
Trump’s Indomitable Personality: A Return to Form
While his first week saw a more structured approach to governance, Trump also made sure to leave his mark with familiar bravado. Hours after a relatively measured inaugural address, he unleashed a string of vitriolic remarks, criticising Joe Biden, the Justice Department, and other political opponents.
In a series of speeches and press interactions, Trump sought to dominate the political conversation, reaffirming that he remains as combative as ever. Despite the newfound organisation, Trump’s hunger for public attention and dominance of national debates appears unyielding.
Legal Challenges: Can Courts Reign in Trump’s Ambitions?
Several of Trump’s early executive actions have already prompted legal challenges. Notably, his attempt to end civil service protections for federal workers and his controversial executive order on birthright citizenship have faced resistance in the courts.
U.S. District Judge John Coughenour, a Reagan appointee, swiftly issued a stay on the birthright citizenship order, calling it “blatantly unconstitutional.” As these cases make their way through the judicial system, the outcomes will play a crucial role in shaping the limits of Trump’s presidential power and determining how far any president can go in advancing their agenda.
Trump’s Economic Bet: Oil as the Solution
Trump’s economic vision revolves around one core assumption: oil is the answer to America’s problems. By ramping up production in the U.S. and coordinating with OPEC and Saudi Arabia, Trump believes that oil can drive down inflation, reduce costs, and weaken Russia’s economic leverage in its war against Ukraine.
The president refers to oil as “liquid gold” and is confident that it will bolster the U.S. economy, making it a global superpower in both manufacturing and technology. Trump’s commitment to fossil fuels, however, is at odds with growing concerns about climate change. He has dismissed the risks associated with continued reliance on oil, arguing that it is necessary for the nation’s economic future.
Tensions with Billionaires: Trump Stuck in Tech Drama
Trump’s inaugural week also underscored the complicated dynamics he faces with some of the world’s wealthiest individuals. In the presence of figures like Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, and Bernard Arnault, Trump found himself embroiled in the infighting and rivalries of the tech elite.
Musk, a key Trump supporter, found himself at odds with SoftBank’s Masayoshi Son over funding for an artificial intelligence project, a situation that highlighted the tension within Trump’s network of wealthy backers. Despite their shared interests in tech and economic policy, these billionaires are not always in sync with one another, and their disputes may well complicate Trump’s ability to marshal their support effectively.
A McKinley Fan: The Perils of Nostalgia
Trump has frequently expressed admiration for William McKinley, the 25th president of the United States, particularly for the tariffs that were enacted during his presidency. Trump has touted McKinley’s era as one of great economic prosperity, but experts have pointed out the dangers of trying to replicate such policies in the modern world.
McKinley’s approach, characterised by protectionist tariffs, may have worked in the late 19th century, but it is unlikely to be effective in today’s globalised economy. Moreover, as Dartmouth economist Douglas Irwin pointed out, the era was also marked by economic turmoil, including the Panic of 1893, which led to a period of high unemployment.
Trump’s Misleading Statements: Factual Inaccuracies Emerge
Throughout his first week back in office, Trump made a series of statements that have been widely criticised for their inaccuracies. At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Trump claimed to have won the 2024 election by “millions of votes,” a claim that was disproven by official results. He also falsely asserted that he had secured a 36-point victory among young voters, despite data showing that his opponent, Kamala Harris, had won the youth vote.
Trump also misrepresented facts in his remarks about California’s water policies and wildfire management. While he blamed Governor Gavin Newsom for withholding water to protect the Delta smelt, experts noted that the real issues in firefighting were the maintenance of critical reservoirs and the limitations of fire hydrants.
Additionally, Trump’s downplaying of the violence during the January 6 Capitol attack was met with widespread criticism. His comments that the rioters’ actions were merely “protests” and that incidents involving police were “minor” contradict the severity of the violence that took place.
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