Since January 2025, President Donald Trump’s second term has unleashed a series of high-stakes, divisive policies—many tied to aggressive trade actions and immigration enforcement. Here’s a deeper dive:
1. Immigration Crackdown & Executive Order (January 20–23, 2025)
On January 20, Trump signed Executive Order 14159, titled “Protecting The American People Against Invasion”, mandating expanded expedited removals, denying federal funding to sanctuary jurisdictions, and ramping up ICE and Border Patrol hiring. Within days, coordinated ICE raids—dubbed Operation Safeguard—swept major cities, detaining hundreds in places like Atlanta, New York, and Boston.
2. Revocation of TPS Protections (May 2025)
In May, the Supreme Court allowed the administration to rescind Temporary Protected Status for about 350,000 Venezuelan immigrants—marking the largest revocation of non-citizen status in recent U.S. history.
3. Travel Ban Reinstated (June 2025)
On June 4, Trump issued Proclamation 10949, reinstating and expanding travel restrictions on citizens from 12 countries, effective from June 9, citing national security concerns.
4. Sweeping Trade & Tariff Overhaul (April 2025 onwards)
In early April, a landmark overhaul introduced a 10% baseline tariff on all imports, with significantly higher “reciprocal” rates: 34% on China, 26% on India, 20–32% on allies like the EU, Japan, South Korea, and others. The move triggered massive market turmoil—global stocks plunged, India’s rupee hit lows, and over 50 nations initiated urgent trade talks. China retaliated with 34% tariffs and export restrictions.
By August, Trump expanded tariffs further: 50% on India and Brazil, 35% on Canada, 30% on China, and hefty duties on several other nations—citing support for allies of Russia. These moves prompted a wave of criticism over policy uncertainty and economic damage.
Why It Matters
From tightening borders to economic brinkmanship, Trump’s second term has introduced sweeping changes that upend trade, immigration, and global relations. The implications—legal battles, diplomatic tensions, market disruption—will reverberate far beyond his presidency.
Read More: Donald Trump raises tariff charged to China by the US to 125%
