Highlights of Donald Trump’s First Term as President
Inauguration and Early Actions: Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 45th President of the United States on January 20, 2017. His early actions included a series of executive orders aimed at rolling back regulations and fulfilling campaign promises, such as the travel ban on several predominantly Muslim countries and efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act.
Tax Reform: One of the hallmark achievements of Trump’s first term was the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which significantly reduced corporate tax rates from 35% to 21% and provided temporary tax relief for individuals. This legislation was touted as a means to spur economic growth and job creation, though it faced criticism for favoring the wealthy and increasing the national deficit.
Trade Policies: Trump’s trade policies were marked by a series of tariffs and renegotiations of trade deals. The most notable actions included imposing tariffs on steel and aluminum imports and engaging in a trade war with China. Trump also renegotiated NAFTA, resulting in the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which aimed to modernize trade practices among the three countries.
Immigration: Immigration was a central theme of Trump’s campaign and presidency. His administration took a hardline stance, implementing policies such as the travel ban, ending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, and enforcing a “zero tolerance” policy at the U.S.-Mexico border, leading to family separations. These policies sparked significant legal battles and public outcry.
Judicial Appointments: Trump appointed three Supreme Court Justices—Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett—shifting the Supreme Court to a more conservative stance. Additionally, he appointed over 200 federal judges, significantly influencing the judicial landscape.
Foreign Policy: Trump’s foreign policy was characterized by a mix of traditional alliances and confrontational stances. Notable actions included withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement, pulling out of the Iran nuclear deal, and engaging in direct diplomacy with North Korea. His administration also brokered several Middle East peace agreements known as the Abraham Accords.
Response to COVID-19: The COVID-19 pandemic was a defining challenge of Trump’s presidency. The administration’s response included implementing travel restrictions, launching Operation Warp Speed to accelerate vaccine development, and providing economic relief through stimulus packages. However, Trump faced criticism for downplaying the severity of the virus and inconsistent messaging on public health measures.
Impeachments: Trump was impeached twice by the House of Representatives. The first impeachment in December 2019 was related to allegations of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress concerning his dealings with Ukraine. The Senate acquitted him in February 2020. The second impeachment occurred in January 2021, following the January 6 Capitol riot, with charges of incitement of insurrection. Trump was again acquitted by the Senate.
Controversies and Legacy: Trump’s presidency was marked by numerous controversies, including allegations of collusion with Russia during the 2016 election, handling of racial tensions and protests, and frequent clashes with the media. His use of social media, particularly Twitter, was unprecedented and often contentious, leading to his eventual ban from the platform. Despite these controversies, Trump has maintained a strong tsupport base, and his policies continue to impact the U.S. political landscape.