President Donald Trump has intensified his hardline policies in the opening days of his second term, announcing the deployment of an additional 1,500 troops to the Mexican border while launching a series of measures targeting immigration and diversity programs.
The 78-year-old Republican, promising a “golden age” for America, has halted refugee arrivals, threatened legal action against local authorities that resist deporting migrants, and dismantled government diversity programs aimed at combating racism and sexism.
### *Immigration and Border Security*
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed Trump’s directive to send more troops to bolster the 2,000-plus personnel already stationed at the southern border. Additionally, refugee admissions have been frozen indefinitely, even for those who had previously been cleared for entry, according to a State Department memo.
“These actions are necessary to restore law and order and protect American jobs,” Trump said in his first television interview since returning to office.
### *Diversity Programs Scrapped*
In a move criticized by civil rights advocates, Trump ordered all federal employees involved in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs to be placed on paid leave. He also terminated affirmative action in federal contracts, revoking measures designed to promote equity since the civil rights era.
Trump labeled these programs “radical” and directed all related government websites and social media accounts to be taken offline.
### *Controversial Pardons and Political Rhetoric*
One of Trump’s first acts as president was to issue pardons to over 1,000 individuals who participated in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. The move drew widespread condemnation, with critics accusing Trump of undermining accountability for the attack on American democracy.
In an interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity, Trump attacked Democrats as “stupid” and accused them of election fraud. He also expressed his desire to end federal disaster aid and disband FEMA, the agency responsible for disaster management, saying, “I’d rather see the states take care of their own problems.”
### *Global Relations and Administration Appointments*
Trump held his first phone call with a foreign leader, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who pledged to increase trade with the United States. In other developments, Trump announced controversial appointments, including Andrew Puzder as ambassador to the European Union and Sean Curran, his longtime Secret Service bodyguard, as director of the agency.
Tensions have also arisen with close advisor Elon Musk, who publicly criticized an AI investment project endorsed by Trump. Meanwhile, Trump’s threat to impose sanctions on Russia if it does not accept a Ukraine peace deal raised questions about his foreign policy consistency, given his prior promises to broker peace swiftly.
### *Backlash and Challenges*
Trump’s policies have sparked outrage and dissent, including a confrontation with Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde of the National Cathedral. During a service he attended, she implored Trump to show “mercy” to migrants and LGBTQ individuals, prompting Trump to call her “nasty.”
Despite the divisive start to his term, Trump remains resolute in his agenda, describing his approach as necessary for restoring America’s strength and stability. However, critics warn that his policies may deepen societal divisions and erode the country’s democratic values