In just two weeks, US President Donald Trump’s government has taken a large number of strong actions that are raising concerns around the world. The actions have left many shocked and uncertain about what the future will bring.
Executive Orders – Special Powers of a President
Most of Mr. Trump’s actions have been made through special “executive orders” or similar methods. These orders aren’t the same as a law, but they have allowed Mr. Trump to make large changes quickly, without needing Congress to approve them. Many of the actions appear to be part of an effort to follow through on promises Mr. Trump made when he was running for president.
(Source: The White House [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons.)
Tariffs
Recently, the biggest news has been Mr. Trump’s decision to raise tariffs on China, Canada, and Mexico. The tariffs on China weren’t a big surprise, but the large 25% tariffs on nearby allies like Canada and Mexico have shocked many.
At first, both countries planned to respond with strong tariffs against the US. But later, Mr. Trump agreed to delay the tariffs for a month. In exchange, both countries agreed to tighten security at the US border.
Mr. Trump’s tariffs have also raised concerns for countries in the European Union (EU), another US ally. Many worry that Mr. Trump might raise tariffs on the EU next.
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Mr. Trump’s planned 25% tariffs on nearby allies like Canada and Mexico have shocked many. At first, both countries planned to respond with tariffs against the US. Later, Mr. Trump agreed to delay the tariffs. Above, trucks in Detroit, Michigan go back and forth between the US and Canada.
Limiting US Government Spending
Last week, Mr. Trump’s government announced that payments of US loans and grants would be frozen. The news shocked groups across the US which count on this money for their work. Some groups went to court. Later, Mr. Trump backed away from the plan.
The US also froze all foreign aid for 90 days. This meant that the billions of dollars the US normally spends to help people around the world suddenly stopped. This included programs that provided medical help and vaccinations. Thousands of people worldwide have already lost their jobs.
In an unusual move, Mr. Trump has put billionaire Elon Musk in charge of an unofficial government program to cut US spending. Mr. Musk and his team have now gotten into very high-level computer systems in most areas of the US government. Some of these systems control trillions of dollars.
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In an unusual move, Mr. Trump has put billionaire Elon Musk in charge of an unofficial government program to cut US spending. Mr. Musk and his team have now gotten into very high-level computer systems in most areas of the US government. Above, Mr. Musk on the day Mr. Trump was sworn in as president.
Changing US Government Agencies
All US government agencies have been told to examine the work that they do and the information they create. Mr. Trump’s government is demanding that the work of these agencies line up with his political views. As a result, government agencies of all kinds have been removing web pages and other information.
USAID, which provides help in over 100 countries around the world, has become a special target. Mr. Musk says that Mr. Trump believes that the agency should be shut down.
Some important government agencies have been told to stop talking about their work. This includes the CDC, which normally provides the country with important health information.
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USAID, which provides help in over 100 countries around the world, has become a special target. Mr. Musk says that Mr. Trump believes that the agency should be shut down. Above,supporters of USAID protest against the shutdown outside USAID’s main offices yesterday.
Getting Back at People
Mr. Trump has already fired hundreds of government workers, There has been a special focus on anyone who has helped investigate or accuse Mr. Trump or his supporters. Many people believe Mr. Trump hopes these actions will encourage anyone who remains in government not to oppose him.
Removing Immigrants
Under Mr. Trump, the US government has made a show of rounding up people who may be in the country illegally, and sending them back to their home countries. The actions have worried many people, even those who are in the country legally.
Some of Mr. Trump’s recent actions may be challenged or changed. But it’s clear that in his second term, Mr. Trump has big plans to reshape the US government and the way it relates to the world.