A New Trump Era: Trade Wars, Executive Orders, and Clashes with Allies

Two months into his second term, President Donald Trump has unleashed a torrent of policy shifts, rattling the U.S. and the world. Sworn in on January 20, Trump has slashed federal agencies, ignited trade wars, and pivoted foreign policy, often with billionaire Elon Musk by his side. From mass deportations to a fiery White House clash with Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky, his administration’s relentless pace has sparked both roaring support and sharp rebuke, setting a volatile tone for the year ahead.

Gutting the Government with Musk and DOGE

One of the administration’s most high-profile moves has been the radical overhaul of federal agencies, spearheaded by Tesla owner Elon Musk. The President’s ambitious plan to cut $2 trillion from government spending hit some rough patches early on. Musk, who leads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), admitted that the target was unrealistic but promised an “epic outcome” instead.

So far, the White House touted $2 billion in “waste” slashed across six agencies, axing thousands of probationary workers. However, no independent audit backs the $2 billion claim, and doubts are growing. Critics like Senator Ron Wyden have raised concerns about transparency.

“To date, there has been no transparency about DOGE’s involvement, or what exactly it is finding,” Wyden said in a statement. “We ask that you provide additional information on the allegedly wasteful spending identified by DOGE, and a clear accounting of how these funds have been misused.”

Musk’s influence within the White House is undeniable. Leaked emails calling for federal workers to justify their jobs sparked a wave of resignations, further consolidating his power. One of his proposals to replace the EB-5 immigrant investor program with a $5 million “Gold Card Visa” sparked accusations of a billionaire cash grab.

Despite the controversies surrounding Musk, Trump continues to praise him and even has him close by in an office in the West Wing.

“Thank you, Elon. You’re working very hard,” Trump told Musk. “He didn’t need this. He didn’t need this. We appreciate it,” he said during a speech to Congress.

Trade Wars Escalate with Canada, China, and Beyond

Trump’s trade wars have caused ripples across the globe, with countries like Canada, China, and Mexico reeling from new tariffs. In early February, Trump signed an executive order imposing a 25% tariff on Canadian and Mexican goods and 10% on Chinese imports. The move—aimed at addressing trade imbalances and the fentanyl crisis—has caused market instability, with the S&P 500 taking a sharp dive.

Canada retaliated with 25% tariffs on $20.7 billion in U.S. goods, while China upped its U.S. tariffs to 20%, hitting farm exports. Ontario’s 25% electricity export surcharge prompted Trump to briefly double steel and aluminum tariffs to 50% before reverting to 25% hours later when Ontario relented. 

The European Union on the other hand faced 200% wine and spirits tariffs. Despite the mounting economic pressure, Trump shrugged off recession concerns in an interview, stating, “These countries have been ripping us off for years. Now they pay.”

Ukraine, Russia, and Shifting Alliances

Perhaps the most striking shift in Trump’s foreign policy has been his open tilt toward Russia. A February 28 meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky turned into a full-blown confrontation, with Trump accusing Zelensky of not being “thankful enough” for past U.S. aid. What was supposed to be a diplomatic meeting about a ceasefire and a U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal descended into chaos, leaving the agreement dead in the water.

European leaders like France’s Emmanuel Macron and the EU’s Ursula von der Leyen rallied behind Zelensky, with Macron calling Russia “the aggressor” and von der Leyen praising Zelensky’s “dignity.”

Trump’s team, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, questioned Zelensky’s commitment, with Rubio telling CNN the meeting was a “fiasco” unless Zelensky apologized. Post-meeting, Trump paused intelligence and aid to Kyiv, letting Russia gain ground until the U.S.-brokered 30-day ceasefire resumed aid on March 11 – on condition that Kyiv cede some territory.

Executive Orders Spark Controversy and Court Fights

Trump’s first few weeks in office were marked by a series of executive orders that stirred national controversy. The President’s decision to pardon 1,500 January 6 rioters was met with outrage, even from within his own party, as some Republican leaders called it “reckless.” 

Days later, Trump signed orders banning transgender youth healthcare, ending birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants, and limiting federal gender recognition to two categories. According to Reuters, the birthright citizenship order—aimed at curbing “anchor babies,” hit legal roadblocks when federal judges in California and New York issued injunctions within a week, prompting an appeal to the Supreme Court.

The transgender healthcare ban sparked protests in 20 cities, and was also met with a flurry of legal roadblocks. Meanwhile, a proposed order limiting federal recognition of gender to two categories has led to confusion and lawsuits over passport and Social Security updates.

“We’re bringing sanity back,” Trump told Fox News, pointing to a Pentagon report showing the sports gender order—banning men in women’s competitions pushed Army recruitment to a 15-year high. 

“Denying citizenship to U.S.-born children is not only unconstitutional — it’s also a reckless and ruthless repudiation of American values,” said Anthony D. Romero, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union. “Birthright citizenship is part of what makes the United States the strong and dynamic nation that it is.

ICE Deportations Target Palestinians and More

The crackdown on immigration has also reached new heights under Trump’s second term. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has ramped up deportations, including high-profile cases like that of Mahmoud Khalil. 

Khalil, a Palestinian green card holder and Columbia University grad, was detained in New York for his role in the 2024 campus protests against Israel’s war on Gaza – despite his American wife’s pleas. Khalil’s case, first reported by The New York Times, drew a swift federal injunction from a Manhattan judge, citing free speech protections. 

Trump has defended the aggressive deportation strategy, calling it part of his mission to “clean house” by targeting what he calls “radicals” involved in anti-American activities. On March 15, Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act to fast-track the deportation of Venezuelan gang members, although legal challenges have already emerged. Despite this, ICE has struggled with staffing shortages, making Trump’s lofty deportation goals harder to achieve.

Challenges Mount as Trump Doubles Down on Trade Wars

Trump faces mounting headwinds as his agenda barrels forward, with Congress narrowly averting a government shutdown after House Republicans passed a funding bill—secured only when Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer lent Democratic votes.

The economy is showing signs of strain, with experts predicting a 2.8% contraction in the first quarter of 2025, partly due to the trade war. Public opinion is divided: while Trump’s hardline stance on border security has garnered support, his Trade Wars and foreign policy shifts have sparked widespread concern, even among some in his own party.

Despite these obstacles, Trump remains defiant. As he continues to face legal challenges and political pushback, the next few months will be crucial in determining whether his administration can maintain this breakneck pace or if the weight of its own contradictions will eventually derail it.