Trump Administration's Bold Moves: A Recap of the Week's Actions

From major foreign policy shifts to controversial domestic changes, the Trump administration continues to make waves.

This week marked another eventful chapter in President Donald Trump's second term, with his administration making significant waves across both domestic and foreign arenas. The president, alongside Elon Musk and key advisers, pushed forward their agenda with a number of substantial actions throughout the week. Here’s a summary of 15 notable moves made by Trump and his team:

1. **Proposed Control Over Gaza**
At a recent press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump declared the U.S. intent to "take over" Gaza, envisioning the region as the "Riviera of the Middle East." He discussed plans to manage the area and potentially resettle its Palestinian population, sparking international concern over potential violations of international law.

2. **Significant Cuts to Foreign Aid**
The Trump administration plans to place thousands of staff at USAID on leave as part of a major restructuring aimed at merging the agency with the State Department. This move could severely disrupt global aid initiatives, as many programs have already been frozen.

3. **Trade Policy Adjustments**
Trump enacted a 10% tariff on Chinese imports but postponed additional tariffs on Canada and Mexico for a month after negotiations regarding border security and migration with their leaders.

4. **Incentives for Federal Employees**
In an effort to downsize the federal government, the Trump administration proposed voluntary resignation incentives for federal employees. However, a recent legal challenge has halted these plans temporarily.

5. **Sanctions on the ICC**
An executive order signed by Trump imposed sanctions on staff of the International Criminal Court, particularly those investigating American citizens, amid international tensions over war crime allegations.

6. **Military Action in Somalia**
The president authorized airstrikes against an Islamic State group planner in Somalia, asserting that civilian safety was maintained during the operation.

7. **Withdrawal from UN Organizations**
Trump issued an order that withdrew U.S. participation from several key UN agencies, notably UNRWA and the UN Human Rights Council, stating a need for a reevaluation of America’s role in these bodies.

8. **Deportations to Guantanamo**
The first group of migrants has reportedly been sent to Guantanamo Bay under Trump's new expansion plans for migrant detention, raising concerns regarding human rights and legal standards.

9. **Energy Resource Demands from Ukraine**
Trump called on Ukraine to ensure the supply of crucial rare earth minerals as part of an aid deal worth billions, suggesting a direct trade for military support against Russia.

10. **Transgender Sports Ban**
An executive order was signed to prevent transgender women from competing in women's sports categories, setting forth regulations that would also extend to the upcoming Olympics.

11. **Water Release Controversy**
In a controversial move, Trump ordered the release of water from California reservoirs amidst criticism and speculation regarding the timing and purpose of the water distribution.

12. **Taskforce for Religious Freedoms**
An initiative aimed at identifying and ending "anti-Christian bias" in federal agency operations was announced by Trump, with adherence to religious freedoms highlighted.

13. **Golf Dispute Intervention**
Trump jumped into the ongoing feud between PGA Tour and LIV Golf, reportedly helping to facilitate discussions aimed at reconciling the two organizations, emphasizing his influence within the sport.

14. **Climate Policy Changes**
Reports emerged of directives to remove mentions of climate change from various governmental websites, reflecting the administration's controversial stance on environmental issues.

15. **Musk's Doge Initiative**
Members of the newly established Doge initiative, associated with Elon Musk, gained access to the federal payments system, raising alarm over the implications this has for government accountability.

As the Trump administration continues to implement bold and often contentious policies, how these actions will shape America's future both domestically and internationally remains to be seen.