Donald Trump’s second inauguration ceremony in his duties as the 47th U.S. president proclaimed another administration, marked by unapologetic claims, controversies, and his policies that would implement a “America First” agenda: an administration sprinkled with promising reforms and some executive actions poised to reorder all priorities at home and abroad-some stoutly supported; others bitterly opposed.
Paris Climate Agreement
He further substantiated the claims on the cost of environmental regulations on economic growth approach with his withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement. Declaring an “energy emergency” pushed his administration to concentrate on the production of fossil fuel, mainly by increased drilling in Alaska. While this suited the pro-industry factions, this move was greatly criticized by the environmentalists as well as the global climate change proponents who were more worried about the long-term viability.
Border Control
The heart of his policies was tough immigration policies. He rolled back many of Biden’s executive orders, reinstating border security through deportation for illegal immigrants. The administration declared a national emergency at the border, which showed a more militaristic approach to immigration issues.
Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)
As part of the reforms, Trump introduced the Department of Government Efficiency, headed by Elon Musk, established to eliminate bureaucratic red tape. However, the department faces corporate influence over public administration issues from its detractors, besides facing lawsuits to the DOGE’s legitimacy.
Capitol Riot Participants
Another polarizing action Trump utilized was pardoning those who were directly involved in the Capitol riots. This ensured greater loyalty to his base, while his action was cheered by supporters and condemned by most who had regarded the rioters as attempting to attack democratic institutions.
Trade Policies
Trump had already imposed tariffs on imports entering Canada and Mexico, to which he claimed would fight the inflation and benefit the American industries. At the same time, he was promoting free-market energy development that would have lowered the cost for consumers but the latter sounded the alarm about “long-term economic consequences, like retaliatory trade measures.
- Trump has threatened 100% tariffs on BRICS countries because these nations are using fewer US dollars for international trade. This aggressive stance was taken to defend the supremacy of the US economic system, but at the same time, this action might damage further diplomatic ties with the emerging powers.
Tariffs on China
It took a firmer stance on trading practices but withheld further tariffs into China to revisit a broader international trade. This will depict a more risk-averse action in discussing a matter with the Chinese and embedding this with a sense of pressure while still on the side with diplomacies.
Social Policies
Trump rolled back the DEI initiatives in federal agencies and nullified protections that were provided for transgender people. This is a decision on policies through conservatism. Still, there were as vocal in its disapproval by civil rights organizations and most other advocacy groups.
- Politicians continue to call for national unity, but policies like the Trump-pardoning of Capitol rioters, for instance, continued to increase polarization in the country. The acts of the Trump administration often became polarizing and more aligned to appease his base rather than being bipartisan.
- He issued an executive order establishing a federal hiring freeze and ended regulatory efforts that were aimed at downsizing the size of government. He also forced federal employees to return to work in person, rescinding pandemic-era remote work policies that caused protest among affected workers.
National Security
Trump put on hold his ban on TikTok as the service sought potential U.S.-based buyers. This was the practical step of balancing national security issues against the app’s popularity among younger demographics.
Energy Independence
He ceased importing more oil from Venezuela and concentrated on the increase of local production of the energy resource. This policy was risky, in that it was also risky in that it would provoke the supplying nations abroad while affecting the general supply of the oil.
Settlements on Israeli Land
Trump lifted the sanctions on settler organizations in Israeli settlements. This made the Trump administration more pro-Israel, but this decision received negative responses from Palestinian supporters and international law enthusiasts.
Rejection of Global Tax Deal
He opposed an OECD global minimum corporate tax agreement, boasting of U.S. sovereignty in tax policy. The popular step for corporate voices that demand lower taxes had its downsides by working isolation on the U.S. from international efforts in tax cooperation.
Environmental Policies
Trump rolled back the benefits that Biden placed on electric cars, thereby ceasing funding to electric car infrastructure projects while prioritizing the fossil fuel companies over green energy. The move was hailed by the oil and gas industries and criticized by green activists and those who are supporters of clean energy.
Conclusion
He is committed to deregulation, economic nationalism, and energy independence-these are the themes that will fit under his banner of the “America First” philosophy. The policy agenda appealed to his base, but the opposition from critics is extremely significant since they say the policies exaggerate the divisions domestically and undermine international cooperation.
Only time will tell how the Trump presidency will be remembered in the long term. He will still focus his policies on national sovereignty and economic growth but may alienate key allies, intensify polarization, and refuse to engage on issues like climate change and human rights. Still, it continues to roll along with the effects the administration has been unleashing at home and abroad.