In his first days of the second term, President Donald Trump has announced the deployment of an additional 1,500 US troops to the Mexican border, intensifying his crackdown on illegal immigration and diversity programs. The 78-year-old Republican, who has promised a “golden age” for America, halted refugee arrivals and threatened prosecution for local authorities who fail to deport migrants.
Trump’s swift return to office included ordering government employees involved in diversity programs to be placed on paid leave. The diversity programs, aimed at combating racism and sexism, are now a target for Trump’s right-wing agenda.
Trump also held his first phone call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who pledged increased trade with the United States. Among his appointments, Trump named fast food executive Andrew Puzder as the new US ambassador to the European Union and his longtime bodyguard, Sean Curran, as the director of the Secret Service.
However, not everything has gone smoothly. Tensions surfaced between Trump and close advisor Elon Musk, who criticized a major AI investment project publicly supported by Trump. Additionally, Trump’s threats of sanctions against Russia over an unspecified Ukraine peace deal raised eyebrows.
Trump’s handling of disaster aid was also questioned, as he suggested ending federal aid for disasters and disbanding FEMA, instead advocating for states to manage their own crises.
While re-entering the White House with executive orders focusing on harsh migration policies, Trump has continued to target diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, halting the arrival of cleared refugees and ordering the closure of related government websites and social media accounts.
He also revoked a 1960s-era order aimed at combating racism in federal contracts, calling it “radical” affirmative action.
In his first act as president on Monday, Trump pardoned over 1,000 supporters involved in the storming of the US Capitol in 2020. A disagreement between Trump and a bishop at the National Cathedral, who urged him to show “mercy” to marginalized communities, further highlighted the divisiveness surrounding his actions.
