Donald Trump: A Political Journey from 2017 to 2025 and Beyond
Donald Trump, a name that has been synonymous with controversy, political disruption, and strong populist rhetoric, first took the oath of office as the 45th President of the United States on January 20, 2017. After a turbulent four-year term marked by significant policy changes, two impeachments, and a deeply polarized America, he left office in January 2021. However, in an unprecedented political comeback, Trump secured victory in the 2024 presidential election and was inaugurated again on January 20, 2025, making him the second U.S. president to serve non-consecutive terms after Grover Cleveland.
As of 2025, Trump's presidency is once again shaping the global and domestic political landscape with new policies, bold statements, and controversial decisions. This article explores his key actions from his first term, the events leading up to his re-election, his policies since taking office again, and his future plans for America.
Trump's First Term (2017–2021): Major Achievements and Controversies
Economic and Tax Reforms
One of Trump's landmark legislative achievements was the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which aimed to stimulate economic growth by lowering corporate tax rates from 35% to 21% and reducing individual tax rates across multiple brackets. While supporters praised it for boosting corporate investment and stock market growth, critics argued that the benefits primarily favored the wealthy and increased the national deficit.
Trade Wars and Tariff Policies
Trump pursued an "America First" economic strategy, engaging in trade wars with China and renegotiating trade agreements, including replacing NAFTA with the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement). His tariffs on Chinese goods led to retaliatory tariffs, which impacted American farmers and businesses. However, the administration maintained that these moves were necessary to address long-standing trade imbalances.
Foreign Policy Shifts
Trump’s approach to foreign policy was unconventional. He met with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in historic summits, though denuclearization talks eventually stalled. He withdrew the U.S. from the Iran Nuclear Deal and the Paris Climate Agreement, arguing that these deals were unfair to American interests. His administration also brokered the Abraham Accords, normalizing relations between Israel and several Arab nations.
Impeachments and the January 6 Capitol Riot
Trump was impeached twice by the House of Representatives—the first in 2019 over the Ukraine scandal, where he was accused of pressuring Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden’s son, and the second in 2021 following the January 6 Capitol riot, where his rhetoric was seen as inciting an insurrection. Both times, he was acquitted by the Senate.
COVID-19 Response and Election Defeat
The COVID-19 pandemic tested Trump's leadership, with his administration overseeing Operation Warp Speed, which accelerated vaccine development. However, his handling of the crisis—particularly his skepticism toward masks and lockdowns—drew significant criticism. He lost the 2020 election to Joe Biden, but refused to concede, claiming widespread election fraud—a claim that fueled political division in the U.S.
The Road Back: Trump’s Political Comeback and the 2024 Election
After leaving office, Trump remained active in politics, branding the 2020 election as “stolen” and holding rallies across the country. The Republican Party remained divided between Trump loyalists and moderates, but his base remained strong. In 2024, he announced his candidacy for the presidency, defeating his Republican rivals in the primaries and facing off against Biden once again.
The election was highly contentious, with Trump campaigning on issues like border security, economic revival, and reversing Biden’s policies. Amid accusations of election fraud from both sides, he emerged victorious, making history with his return to the White House.
Trump's Second Term (2025–Present): Key Policies and Controversies
Immigration Crackdown
One of Trump’s first actions in office was reinstating and expanding his hardline immigration policies. His administration has sought to:
- End asylum for illegal border crossers
- Restart construction of the border wall
- Deploy military resources to curb illegal immigration
These moves have reignited debates over immigration policy, with supporters arguing that they strengthen national security and critics decrying their impact on asylum seekers and migrant families.
Foreign Policy Challenges
Trump's return to office has already seen rising tensions with Ukraine, as reports suggest a tense meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy over U.S. aid and the ongoing war with Russia. His approach to NATO, China, and Middle Eastern relations is being closely watched, with some expecting a shift towards "America First" isolationist policies.
Domestic Policies and Governance
Trump’s second term has seen proposals for:
- Downsizing federal agencies, including the State Department
- Cutting USAID funding
- Restructuring government oversight on major institutions
These moves are seen as part of his broader goal to reduce government bureaucracy and centralize power within the executive branch.
Controversial Executive Orders
Trump has signed several controversial executive orders, including:
- A U.S. Sovereign Wealth Fund: A plan to use government investments to reduce national debt and fund infrastructure projects
- The “Gold Card” Visa Program: A proposal offering U.S. citizenship to individuals who invest $5 million in the economy
These policies have been met with skepticism, with critics questioning their feasibility and potential loopholes for abuse.
Trump's Vision for Gaza
In a bizarre turn, Trump’s administration released an AI-generated promotional video outlining a vision for turning Gaza into a luxury resort destination with casinos, hotels, and golden statues. The proposal, reportedly meant to offer a peace solution, was met with international criticism for its tone-deaf approach to the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Future Plans and Policy Agenda
Looking ahead, Trump’s administration has outlined an aggressive agenda for his second term, focusing on:
1. Economic Expansion and Tax Cuts 2.0
Trump aims to extend and expand tax cuts, arguing that lowering taxes further will stimulate job creation and corporate investment. However, with the national debt rising, economists warn that such measures could have long-term consequences.
2. “Law and Order” Policies
Expect a renewed focus on crime and law enforcement, with increased federal funding for police departments and harsh penalties for protestors and rioters.
3. Supreme Court and Judicial Appointments
With potential retirements on the Supreme Court, Trump may have the opportunity to nominate more conservative justices, which could shape U.S. law for decades.
4. Social Policies and Culture Wars
Trump is expected to push back against “woke” policies, including banning certain diversity training programs and reversing progressive policies on education and transgender rights.
5. Foreign Relations and Defense Spending
Trump has signaled a desire to renegotiate international agreements, potentially reducing U.S. commitments to NATO and increasing defense spending to bolster America’s military capabilities.
Public Reaction and the Road Ahead
Trump remains a divisive figure, with his supporters hailing him as a fighter against establishment politics, while critics warn that his policies could erode democratic institutions and global alliances.
His second term is likely to be as eventful as his first, with ongoing investigations into his past legal troubles, international crises, and political showdowns with Congress. Whether Trump’s legacy will be seen as a transformative force or a chaotic disruption remains a matter of fierce debate.
As Trump continues to reshape American politics, the world watches to see how his policies will unfold and whether his second presidency will deliver on the promises he made to his supporters—or whether it will end in further controversy and division.
