Since his return to office, Donald Trump has wasted no time implementing a series of controversial and deeply consequential policies. Within weeks, his administration has enacted aggressive measures that will eliminate jobs, cut vital services, and leave some of the world’s most vulnerable people without support. By freezing foreign aid, Trump has effectively crippled humanitarian projects that millions depend on, including mine clearance in war-torn areas and refugee assistance. His mass furloughing of USAID employees has disrupted partnerships with global organizations, and his hardline stance on gender and diversity policies has rolled back years of progress in inclusion and healthcare.
All this while turning the USA more and more into an autocracy.
The consequences of these actions are severe and far-reaching—from humanitarian crises and economic instability to the erosion of civil rights and international credibility. Below is a list of the most significant and controversial measures Trump has enacted so far.
Stopped USAID funding: Immediately after taking office, Trump announced a 90-day freeze on nearly all U.S. foreign aid.
Furloughed USAID employees: Nearly all of the 10,000 employees have been furloughed worldwide. This also affects USAID’s partnerships in development and aid work, such as with the Norwegian Refugee Council and Norwegian People’s Aid. These organizations have announced a halt in mine clearance operations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ukraine, and Colombia.
Cut funding for schools: Trump has ordered that federal funding be cut from schools accused of indoctrinating children with gender ideology, as part of his plan to rid the education system of “woke” ideology.
Recognizes only two genders: He has declared that the U.S. federal government will only recognize two genders: male and female.
Cuts inclusion programs and positions in government: Trump demands an end to what he calls “radical and wasteful” DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives. He has ordered the termination of all DEI programs within the federal government and is pushing for the elimination of DEI offices and positions wherever legally possible.
Bans federal support for gender-affirming care for minors: Individuals under 19 will no longer receive federal funding for such treatments. Trump has also called for funding cuts to medical schools and hospitals conducting research on gender-affirming care.
Opens for the removal of transgender individuals from the military: Trump has instructed the Department of Defense to create a new policy for transgender service members, where expressing a “false gender identity that deviates from an individual’s biological sex” is considered a violation of military service standards.
Bans transgender athletes from women’s sports: Trump has issued a nationwide ban on transgender athletes competing in female sports.
Stopped payments to UNRWA: The UN relief agency responsible for Palestinian refugees, which provides emergency aid, food, healthcare, and education in Gaza, will no longer receive U.S. funding. The U.S. was UNRWA’s largest contributor, and since most other aid organizations are barred from Gaza, UNRWA plays a crucial role.
Withdraws the U.S. from the UN Human Rights Council: Trump has officially announced that the U.S. will pull out of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC).
Sanctions against the ICC: Trump has imposed sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC), which prosecutes individuals for war crimes and genocide. He accuses the ICC of unfairly targeting the U.S. and Israel. In November, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of war crimes.
Arms deal with Israel: The U.S. State Department has confirmed a new agreement with Israel worth nearly $75 billion. The deal includes 3,000 Hellfire missiles, several powerful 900-kilogram bombs—previously blocked by the Biden administration when Israel’s invasion of Rafah was imminent—and various other types of bombs.
Renamed the Gulf of Mexico: On his first day in office, Trump ordered the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the “American Gulf.”
Sent Secretary of State to Panama: Marco Rubio traveled to Panama and met with President Jose Raul Mulino. After the meeting, Rubio stated that he had demanded “immediate changes” to China’s influence and control over the canal, warning that the U.S. would take “necessary action” if changes were not made. Mulino denied that China controls the canal but has agreed to investigate a Hong Kong-based company operating ports at both ends of it.
Imposed tariffs on Canada: Trump announced a 25% tariff on most Canadian goods, set to take effect on February 1. He accused Canada of failing to stop illegal immigration and the flow of fentanyl into the U.S. The same tariff was also applied to Mexico but has since been delayed by one month.
About The Author
