Since reentering the White House, President Donald Trump has attempted to reshape U.S. foreign policy, jolted global markets, and stirred constant political controversy. Here are ten major events that have marked the first 100 days of his second term:
January 20: Executive Order Blitz
Trump kicked off his presidency with a record-breaking 26 executive orders on Day One. His initial moves included withdrawing the U.S. from the World Health Organization and granting pardons to individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol riot.
February 4: Gaza Controversy Sparks Global Outrage
In a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump proposed a radical redevelopment plan for Gaza, suggesting U.S. control and the relocation of Palestinian residents—likening the region’s future to a “Middle Eastern Riviera.” The statement triggered widespread condemnation.
February 12: Trump, Musk, and “X” Make Headlines
Elon Musk, tapped to lead a new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), appeared at a White House press conference with Trump and his son, X Æ A-Xii. Amid criticism over conflicts of interest, Musk defended his role while his young son playfully interrupted the event.
February 12: U.S.-Russia Rapprochement
Trump broke years of diplomatic freeze with Russia by speaking with President Vladimir Putin in a 90-minute phone call, followed by further talks and U.S.-Russia meetings excluding European allies. The reset has led to two prisoner exchanges so far.
February 14: Vance’s Europe Rebuke
At the Munich Security Conference, Vice President JD Vance sharply criticized European allies on defense spending, immigration, and censorship. His remarks marked a clear break from traditional U.S. support for transatlantic unity.
February 28: Zelensky Dressed Down
During a tense White House visit, Trump and Vance harshly criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for his perceived lack of gratitude toward U.S. aid. The public scolding drew bipartisan backlash at home.
March 7: Crackdown on Universities
Targeting pro-Palestine activism, the administration slashed $400 million in grants to Columbia University, accusing it of failing to protect Jewish students. Harvard’s federal funding was also frozen amid a standoff over government oversight.
March 15: Mass Deportations to El Salvador
Citing a wartime statute, the Trump administration expelled over 200 suspected gang members to a prison in El Salvador. Despite a court stay order, the administration proceeded—now facing contempt proceedings in the Supreme Court.
March 26: Greenland Takeover Talk Resurfaces
Doubling down on a previous controversial proposal, Trump floated the idea of the U.S. seizing Greenland for “national security.” Danish officials responded angrily, and Vice President Vance’s planned meetings with local leaders were quietly dropped.
April 2–9: Global Tariff Blitz Begins
On April 2, Trump launched a sweeping series of tariffs against multiple nations, accusing them of exploiting American trade policies. The move has already begun disrupting global commerce and sparking concerns of a trade war.
Trump’s first 100 days have proven nothing short of explosive—marked by unilateral actions, global tensions, and political shockwaves that suggest a deeply unconventional presidency is once again underway.
