Trump's Second Term: Key Actions from Last Week

Over the past week, President Trump and his administration have made significant moves, including plans for Gaza, a crackdown on foreign aid, controversial tariffs, and changes to sports competition regulations, highlighting a decisive tenure early in his second term.

This week marked another pivotal period in Donald Trump's second term as President, filled with bold policy announcements and significant actions. The administration's agenda encompassed a multitude of topics ranging from international relations to sports regulations and domestic policy reform. Here’s a recap of the 15 notable actions Trump and his team undertook this week.

1. **Strategic Proposal for Gaza:** During a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump suggested that the U.S. should take over Gaza, proposing an ambitious plan to reshape the region following ongoing conflict.

2. **Massive Cuts to USAID:** Trump initiated plans to place a majority of USAID staff on leave, which could severely impact global aid efforts as the agency's workforce of around 10,000 shrinks drastically.

3. **Tariffs on Chinese Imports:** The President imposed a 10% tariff on Chinese goods while delaying similar threats against Canada and Mexico after negotiations improved border security measures.

4. **Federal Worker Resignation Incentives:** The administration aimed to incentivize federal worker resignations, but a federal judge temporarily blocked this initiative pending further legal examination.

5. **Sanctions on the International Criminal Court:** Trump enacted sanctions against ICC employees involved in U.S. citizen investigations, raising tensions around international accountability for war crimes.

6. **Military Action Against ISIS in Somalia:** Trump authorized airstrikes against the Islamic State in Somalia, claiming successful operations with no civilian casualties.

7. **Withdrawal from UN Agencies:** Trump signed an executive order to withdraw U.S. participation from several UN bodies, including a key agency for Palestinian refugees, reflecting his administration’s ongoing shift in foreign policy.

8. **Migrants Sent to Guantanamo:** The U.S. began deporting migrants to Guantanamo as part of a controversial expansion of detention facilities in the wake of ongoing immigration debates.

9. **Demands from Ukraine for Resource Guarantees:** Trump requested that Ukraine ensure the supply of rare earth metals in exchange for financial support in its conflict with Russia.

10. **Exclusion of Transgender Athletes:** Trump enacted an executive order prohibiting transgender women from participating in women's sports categories, stirring significant social debate.

11. **Water Release Order in California:** Trump instructed the Army Corps of Engineers to release water from California reservoirs, raising questions regarding the timing and effectiveness of this decision for wildfire prevention.

12. **Task Force for Religious Freedoms:** An executive order was signed to focus on mitigating what Trump described as anti-Christian bias in government.

13. **Golf Dispute Resolution:** Trump intervened in negotiations between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, facilitating talks that might lead to a merger aimed at enhancing the sport's future.

14. **Climate Change Content Removal:** The administration directed multiple agencies to erase climate change references from their websites, aligning with broader environmental policy strategies.

15. **Access Given to Musk’s Initiative:** Trump's administration notably granted Musk's "Doge" initiative access to extensive federal payment systems, enabling a significant degree of control over governmental financial operations.

These actions illustrate a decisive start to Trump's second term, signaling a commitment to a wide range of issues while invoking both support and criticism across the political spectrum.