Trump’s Bold Moves: 17 Major Actions from His Third Week Back in Office
The third week of Donald Trump’s second term has been nothing short of eventful, with sweeping policy changes, international interventions, and major domestic shake-ups. From proposing a radical plan for Gaza to slashing foreign aid, imposing tariffs, and banning transgender athletes from female sports, Trump and his high-profile team—including adviser Elon Musk—have wasted no time advancing their agenda.
Here’s a rundown of 17 significant moves made this week.
1. Trump Proposes U.S. Takeover of Gaza
In a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump proposed that the U.S. “take over” and “own” Gaza, turning it into the "Riviera of the Middle East." The plan would involve resettling Palestinians, though officials later walked back the claim, saying relocation would be "temporary." However, any forced deportation would violate international law, sparking global controversy.
2. Thousands of USAID Workers Face Uncertainty
Trump attempted to place thousands of USAID employees on leave, effectively freezing global aid programs. A judge temporarily blocked the move after unions filed a lawsuit. Meanwhile, reports suggest USAID will be merged into the State Department, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio assuming control.
3. Tariffs on China, Deals with Canada & Mexico
The administration imposed a 10% tariff on Chinese imports but delayed a 25% tariff hike on Canadian and Mexican goods after securing promises to tighten border security. Canada pledged to clamp down on fentanyl trafficking, while Mexico agreed to deploy more troops to its northern border.
4. Incentivizing Federal Workers to Resign
Trump’s plan to downsize the federal workforce included offering incentives for voluntary resignations. However, a judge intervened, temporarily pausing the plan. Critics argue the legality of the move, while unions warn workers against accepting the offer without further clarity.
5. Sanctions Against the International Criminal Court
Trump sanctioned ICC officials investigating alleged U.S. and Israeli war crimes. The move came shortly after the court issued arrest warrants for a Hamas commander and Netanyahu. The ICC prosecutes crimes against humanity, but the U.S. and Israel are not members.
6. Airstrikes Against ISIS in Somalia
Trump authorized military airstrikes targeting an ISIS leader in Somalia, claiming "many terrorists" were eliminated without civilian casualties. Somali officials welcomed the attack, praising U.S. support in the fight against terrorism.
7. U.S. Withdraws from UN Institutions
Trump ended U.S. involvement in several UN bodies, including the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), the UN Human Rights Council, and initiated a review of UNESCO membership. Israel has long criticized these agencies for alleged bias.
8. Migrants Sent to Guantanamo Bay
For the first time in years, the U.S. deported migrants to Guantanamo Bay, expanding detention facilities to house up to 30,000 people. The administration justified the move as a crackdown on illegal immigration. Separately, deportation flights also carried migrants back to India, fueling diplomatic tensions.
9. Trump Ties Ukraine Aid to Rare Earth Resources
Trump offered $300 billion in aid to Ukraine—on the condition that the U.S. secures access to its rare earth metals, including uranium, lithium, and titanium. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded that Ukraine was open to American investment but did not confirm any deal.
10. Ban on Transgender Athletes in Women’s Sports
Trump signed an executive order prohibiting transgender women from competing in female sports at all levels, from high school to the Olympics. He also announced visa bans for transgender athletes seeking to compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
11. California Dams Ordered to Release Water
After blaming wildfires on California’s water management, Trump ordered the release of billions of gallons of water from two major reservoirs. However, experts warned that the water would likely be wasted rather than reaching affected areas.
12. ‘Anti-Christian Bias’ Task Force Launched
Citing a need to protect religious freedoms, Trump created a task force led by Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate what he calls the "weaponization of government against Christians." The move came after his speech at the National Prayer Breakfast.
13. Trump Mediates PGA-LIV Golf Dispute
As a golf enthusiast and course owner, Trump intervened in the PGA Tour-LIV Golf feud, helping broker a new deal after merger talks stalled. Officials praised his role in moving negotiations forward.
14. Climate Change Mentions Scrubbed from Government Websites
Multiple government agencies—including the Department of Transportation, State, and Agriculture—were reportedly ordered to remove references to climate change from their websites. Meanwhile, employees at NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) were restricted from communicating with foreign nationals.
15. Elon Musk’s ‘Doge’ Gains Influence
Trump granted Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) access to Pentagon and Treasury spending records. However, a federal judge later blocked the team from accessing Americans' financial data. The Doge initiative aims to cut federal spending and streamline government agencies.
16. Trump Revokes Biden’s Security Clearance
Trump stripped Joe Biden of his security clearance, claiming the former president no longer needed access to classified information. He announced the move on Truth Social, posting: "JOE, YOU'RE FIRED."
17. Russian Oligarch Task Force Disbanded
Attorney General Pam Bondi dissolved the FBI’s Foreign Influence Task Force and the Task Force KleptoCapture, which previously seized assets from Russian oligarchs post-Ukraine invasion. The administration cited a need to redirect resources toward drug cartels and transnational crime.
What’s Next?
Trump’s third week back in office has sent shockwaves through domestic and international affairs. With bold foreign policy moves, sweeping domestic overhauls, and growing controversy over his administration’s actions, the pace is unlikely to slow down.
