Since returning to the White House on 20 January, Donald Trump has upended US foreign policy, rattled global markets, and turned the Oval Office into a theatre of constant spectacle. Here are 10 of the most pivotal moments from the Republican president’s second term so far.
1. A record-breaking Day One
Trump entered the Oval Office with marker in hand, signing 26 executive orders on inauguration day—more than any other US president in history.
Among his first moves: withdrawing from the Paris climate agreement, exiting the World Health Organization, challenging birthright citizenship, and pardoning participants in the 6 January 2021 Capitol riot. His intention to overturn the previous global order was made immediately clear.
2. “Riviera of the Middle East”
In a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump announced the US would take control of Gaza, expel Palestinians, and rebuild the enclave as a luxury resort.
International outcry followed. Three weeks later, he reposted an AI-generated video of a fictional, tourist-ready Gaza praising him—fuel for further controversy.
3. Elon Musk joins the show
A viral photo of JFK in the Oval Office with his son became symbolic in US history. In Trump’s second term, that image is replaced by Elon Musk and his four-year-old son “X”, appearing at the White House to explain deep cuts to public spending.
Musk has since become a close advisor, frequently seen alongside Trump—even at a wrestling match.
4. Putin re-enters the fold
On 12 February, Trump ended Russia’s diplomatic isolation with a 90-minute call to President Vladimir Putin.
A second call followed on 28 February, and a string of high-level US-Russia meetings began—excluding Europe. Despite hopes, no Ukraine ceasefire has materialised. However, the new relationship did enable two prisoner swaps between Washington and Moscow.
5. Europe under fire
At the Munich Security Conference, Vice President J.D. Vance shocked allies by claiming free speech is more threatened in Europe than by Russia or China. Since then, the Trump administration has ramped up criticism of European governments, accusing them of taking advantage of the US.
6. Ukraine tensions rise
Tensions with Ukrainian President Zelensky were already high before his visit to Washington.
Inside the Oval Office, Trump publicly chastised Zelensky over remarks made by VP Vance. US military aid to Ukraine now hangs by a thread.
7. Crackdown on universities
Trump accused major US universities of tolerating antisemitism amid Gaza protests. On 7 March, his administration froze $400 million in funding to Columbia University, and a Palestinian organiser with a green card was arrested and threatened with deportation.
Shortly after, he announced a freeze of $2.2 billion in funding to Harvard, citing its promotion of “hate” and “stupidity.”
8. Controversial deportations
Citing an obscure 18th-century wartime law, Trump’s government deported over 200 immigrants to El Salvador in March, accusing them—without evidence—of gang affiliations.
One case, involving an allegedly mistaken deportation, reached the Supreme Court, but the administration continues to defy judicial orders to reverse these expulsions.
9. Expansionist ambitions
Trump has voiced interest in expanding US territory—calling for the reacquisition of the Panama Canal, annexation of Greenland, and even suggesting Canada become the 51st state.
Tensions escalated with Denmark, which owns Greenland, after Trump declared, “We must acquire it,” days before VP Vance’s visit. Vance was ignored by local officials and only visited the US base at Thule.
10. Trade war 2.0
On 2 April, Trump unveiled retaliatory tariffs against dozens of nations.
Rates include 20% for the EU, 34% for China, and a baseline 10% minimum for most others. Markets plunged.
One week later, he announced a 90-day pause—except for China, whose tariffs rose to 145%. The markets exhaled, but global uncertainty continues.
