US President Donald Trump has made headlines with his recent actions, including challenging constitutional norms, issuing executive orders, and delivering a fiery global address.
Here are the top 10 highlights from Trump’s latest moves:
1. Trade and immigration tensions with Colombia
The president announced he would impose a 25% tariff on all goods coming to the US from Colombia as part of a raft of sanctions to punish the country for turning away two US military flights carrying deported migrants.
Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro said he was concerned about the migrants treatment, but his efforts to appease Trump appear to have failed. He has since struck a defiant tone and promised to retaliate with tariffs
2. Nationwide immigration raids
Deportation raids – a Trump campaign promise – have begun. Immigration authorities said they had carried out “targeted” arrests in Chicago and in other parts of the country.
Trump’s border czar said on Sunday that Congress should increase funding for the border effort, which included a need for 100,000 migrant detention centre beds
3. Controversy over Greenland and Canada
President Donald Trump has rekindled a longstanding controversy by renewing his appeal for Denmark to hand over control of Greenland to the United States.
In a recent statement to the BBC, Trump expressed confidence, saying, “I think we’re going to have it”. This move has sparked concerns about the implications of US control over the autonomous territory.
Additionally, Trump has doubled down on his suggestion that Canada become a US state, citing the potential benefits of avoiding tariffs. This proposal has been met with skepticism, with many questioning the feasibility and desirability of such a move.
4. Trump’s capitol riot pardons spark controversy
President Trump’s decision to pardon and commute the sentences of over 1,250 individuals convicted of crimes related to the January 6 Capitol riot has ignited a fierce debate.
Vice-president JD Vance, along with other Trump loyalists, has defended the move, with Vance reversing his initial stance to support the blanket pardon.
President Donald Trump speaks to reporters aboard Air Force One as he travels from Las Vegas to Miami on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025. (AP)
However, Democrats have vehemently opposed the decision, with senior lawmakers planning to introduce a resolution condemning the pardons and forcing Republicans to publicly disclose their stance on the issue.
5. Trump proposes Palestinian resettlement
President Donald Trump has suggested that neighboring countries, such as Egypt and Jordan, should take in Palestinians from Gaza, either temporarily or for long-term, in an effort to resolve the ongoing conflict.
Trump revealed that he has already discussed this idea with Jordan’s King Abdullah II and plans to speak with Egypt’s president as well.
6. Trump 2.0: A Renewed Sense of Confidence and Power
President Donald Trump has kicked off his second term with a whirlwind of executive orders and policy changes, leaving a lasting impact on Washington and the country.
In his first week alone, Trump signed 26 executive orders, surpassing the number signed by his predecessor Joe Biden in 2021.
These orders have reshaped the country’s stance on various issues, including climate change, immigration, and foreign aid.
Trump’s bold moves have sparked both praise and criticism, with some hailing him as a strong leader and others condemning his actions as divisive and harmful.
7. King family seeks review of assassination files
The family of Martin Luther King Jr. has expressed their emotional response to President Trump’s decision to declassify records related to his assassination, describing it as a “deeply personal family loss”.
They have urged Trump to allow them to review the files before their public release, highlighting their ongoing pain and desire for transparency regarding the events surrounding King’s tragic death.
8. Resumption of bomb shipments to Israel
US President Donald Trump has resumed shipments of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel, despite concerns about civilian casualties in the ongoing Gaza conflict. Trump justified the move, saying “they bought and paid for it,” referring to Israel’s prior purchase of the bombs.
The shipments had been halted by the previous Biden administration due to concerns about civilian casualties.
The bombs, known as Mark 84, can reportedly kill people 360 meters away from the point of detonation and cause severe injury and damage to building infrastructure 800 meters away.
9. Colombia’s tariff retaliation
Colombian President Gustavo Petro has vowed to impose a 50% tariff on US imports in response to President Trump’s decision to slap a 25% tariff on all Colombian goods entering the US.
This escalating trade tensions between the two nations, with Colombia seeking to protect its interests and the US aiming to renegotiate trade terms. The situation may lead to a trade war, affecting various industries and consumers on both sides .
10. Trump’s mass firing of inspectors general sparks outrage
Senator Adam Schiff has accused President Donald Trump of breaking the law by firing 18 inspectors general, calling it a clear violation of the Inspector General Act .
Trump’s decision has sparked widespread criticism, with many arguing that it undermines the independence and accountability of federal agencies.
Inspectors general play a crucial role in investigating allegations of waste, fraud, and abuse within their agencies, and their removal has raised concerns about the potential for unchecked corruption and malfeasance.
President Donald Trump speaks to reporters aboard Air Force One as he travels from Las Vegas to Miami on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025. (AP) 
President Donald Trump speaks to reporters aboard Air Force One as he travels from Las Vegas to Miami on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025. (AP)
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