**Description: Trump reshapes government policies while facing criticism from both domestic and international fronts.**
Major Moves by Trump’s Administration: 19 Actions to Note This Week**
Major Moves by Trump’s Administration: 19 Actions to Note This Week**
**Summary: The Trump administration has been active this week, making headlines with policies affecting international relations, military leadership, and immigration, as well as pushing for notable social changes.**
This week marked another tumultuous chapter in Donald Trump’s presidency as he continued his campaign to overhaul America's federal policies and government structure. With dramatic stances on foreign relations, immigration, and internal governance, here are 19 significant moves made by the Trump administration.
1. **Labeling Zelensky a “Dictator”**: In contentious remarks, Trump referred to Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky as a dictator, igniting a backlash from European leaders and throwing US-Ukrainian diplomacy into further disarray.
2. **High-Level Talks Without Ukraine**: US officials met with Russian counterparts in Saudi Arabia for peace negotiations, notably excluding Ukrainian representation, raising concerns in Kyiv about their sidelined status.
3. **Prisoner Exchange with Russia**: In a significant diplomatic gesture, the US saw the release of Kalob Byers, arrested for drug charges, while also flagging a prisoner swap involving a Russian national linked to cyber fraud.
4. **Ending NYC Congestion Charge**: Trump announced the cessation of New York City's congestion pricing plan, leading to immediate rebuke from Governor Hochul who vowed to challenge the decision in court.
5. **Interference Allegations in Andrew Tate Case**: U.S. officials have been accused of seeking leniency in the case against controversial influencer Andrew Tate, concerning travel bans amid ongoing sexual abuse allegations.
6. **Declining Border Crossings**: The Border Patrol reported a drop in illegal crossings, a trend Trump highlighted in the context of ongoing border control measures aimed at stemming undocumented migration.
7. **Mass Firings in Federal Agencies**: Over 6,000 IRS employees face impending layoffs as part of widespread cost-cutting measures undertaken by Trump’s administration.
8. **Attempt at USDA Worker Rehiring**: In a rare move, Trump’s team aimed to reinstate USDA officials previously laid off during the current bird flu outbreak.
9. **Affordable IVF Initiatives**: Trump signed an executive order aiming to make in-vitro fertilization more accessible and financially feasible for families across the US.
10. **Conflict with Associated Press**: The White House stirred controversy after decreeing a renaming of the Gulf of Mexico, leading to a legal standoff with the Associated Press over First Amendment rights.
11. **Dismissal of Eric Adams Case**: Amid an intense political backdrop, Trump’s justice department stood by its decision to drop serious charges against New York Mayor Eric Adams, highlighting ongoing tensions.
12. **Reduction of Migrant Benefits**: An executive order was signed to terminate federal benefits for undocumented migrants, reflecting Trump’s strict immigration stance.
13. **Doge Dividends for Taxpayers**: In an unexpected turn, Trump floated the idea of returning a portion of savings from budget cuts directly to American taxpayers.
14. **Critical Remarks on European Politics**: Speaking at an international conference, US VP JD Vance sharply criticized European governance, suggesting internal issues pose threats more substantial than external ones.
15. **Boycotting G20 Engagements**: In a diplomatic snub, top US officials skipped G20 meetings in South Africa, objecting to the host nation’s focus on diversity and environmental issues.
16. **Defense Department Cuts**: Trump called for an audit to identify $50 billion in cuts within the Department of Defense, challenging previous spending practices.
17. **Restoration of 9/11 Cancer Research Funding**: Following scrutiny, the CDC reversed its course on funding for important cancer research correlating to 9/11 health effects.
18. **NASCAR Season Opening Attendance**: Trump made a public appearance at the Daytona racing event, reinforcing his visibility and connection with American sports culture.
19. **Firing His Top General**: The exit of General CQ Brown, the first African American to lead the Joint Chiefs of Staff, signals a significant shift in military leadership amidst ongoing controversies regarding diversity policies.
