WASHINGTON — With three weeks into his presidency, Donald Trump continues to issue executive orders aimed at reshaping the federal government while business magnate Elon Musk is exploring ways to challenge and change the federal workforce.
Trump’s policies have raised eyebrows, especially as he initiated and then backed off from trade conflicts with Canada and Mexico, while moving ahead with economic penalties against China. Amidst this, he made a controversial proclamation about the U.S. taking control of Gaza, relocating its residents, and transforming the area into what he described as “the Riviera of the Middle East,” a notion that faced widespread criticism globally.
During this week, key observations emerged:
A flurry of executive actions
Within his first 20 days in office, Trump has consistently signed executive orders, frequently doing so multiple times each day. Similar to previous presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden, Trump used his inauguration day to enact measures aimed at dismantling various policies implemented by his predecessor. Among his initial actions were the pardoning of numerous individuals involved in the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021, the official withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, and making provisions for TikTok to remain operational.
Trump hasn’t slowed down since that day, having executed at least 92 presidential actions, including commending the 80th anniversary of Auschwitz’s liberation. A new order banning paper straws is reportedly on the way.
Most of the orders were signed in the Oval Office or aboard Air Force One, with a mini desk often being transported for the signings. One notable signing occurred in the East Room of the White House, aiming to prohibit transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports. This mini desk has become a favored prop for Trump, who previously expressed enthusiasm about integrating it into his inauguration ceremonies.
Trade wars on hold, for now
Trump has decided to momentarily retract his threat of tariffs against Canada and Mexico, averting a potential trade confrontation while engaging in negotiations with these two significant trading partners over the next month.
However, Trump has implemented trade penalties against China, introducing a 10% tariff on imports from that nation. White House officials clarified that these tariffs, along with potential retaliations from China, are not indicative of a trade war, as they are positioned as necessary measures to combat drug smuggling and address illegal immigration concerns with Canada and Mexico.
In Trump’s view, correcting trade imbalances is a crucial component of the negotiations with Canada and Mexico. He expressed on social media that the discussions should lead to “a final Economic deal.” The administration viewed Canada’s appointment of a “fentanyl czar” and Mexico’s deployment of 10,000 National Guard troops to the border as successful outcomes for Trump. Nevertheless, economic experts pointed out that imposing these tariffs could have led to inflationary pressures and hampered economic growth.
Disruption in federal operations
The week also featured significant upheaval aimed at altering governmental operations. Musk’s initiative, known as the Department of Government Efficiency, has temporarily removed nearly all U.S. Agency for International Development personnel from their roles worldwide, compounded by a strategy urging federal workers to resign, which even affected the CIA.
Meanwhile, associates of Musk gained limited access to the Treasury Department’s payment information system, raising fears regarding oversight and accountability, which eventually resulted in a court intervention. A federal judge halted DOGE’s access to these crucial records, scheduling a hearing for mid-February.
The Treasury manages an elaborate payment system that handles trillions annually, playing a vital role in processing taxes, tax refunds, contractor payments, and disbursement of Social Security and Medicare benefits—an operational facet that necessitates stability.
In response to concerns from Democratic lawmakers, the Treasury asserted that no modifications were in progress regarding the system. However, sources who opted for anonymity disclosed that Musk’s team had been exploring methods to obstruct USAID payments.
Meandering remarks on agency leadership
When questioned about Trump’s nomination of Linda McMahon to oversee the Education Department, despite his earlier suggestion to dissolve the agency, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt remarked, “You heard the president say half-jokingly, but also serious, he wants Linda McMahon, who will lead that agency, to put herself out of a job.”
Trump’s tendency to blend humor with serious matters has been a recurring strategy since his first term, and it’s evident that he continues in that vein. Addressing the disappearance of data from government websites as officials struggled to adhere to new directives, Trump remarked that he was unaware, but suggested, “That doesn’t sound like a bad idea.”
His casual remarks about a potential third presidential run have also emerged frequently, with Trump declaring it would be “the greatest honor of my life to serve not once but twice or three times or four times.”
During a gathering with House Republicans in Florida, Trump hinted about leftover campaign funds that could be used for another election bid, while humorously questioning the legality of running again, which he later clarified expressed ambiguity.
Gaza controversy intensifies
One significant point where Trump’s commentary seemed ambiguous—yet he insists was sincere—concerned Gaza. His suggestion of a long-term American control of the region, the relocation of its Palestinian populace, and transforming it into a prime tourism destination along the Mediterranean has sparked major reactions.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio later clarified that any resettlement proposals would be temporary, a standpoint echoed by Leavitt. However, Trump remained firm in his stance, stating that the U.S. would “slowly and carefully commence construction of what would become one of the greatest and most spectacular developments of its kind on Earth.”
