Trump 2.0: Bold moves and global ripples in just 24 hours
President-elect Donald Trump and his wife Melania Trump walk after attending a service at St. John's Church on Inauguration Day of Donald Trump's second presidential term in Washington, January 20, 2025. PHOTO: REUTERS
US President Donald Trump’s second term has launched with bold and polarizing moves across foreign policy and domestic affairs. From resetting alliances to controversial executive orders, here’s a roundup of key decisions made in his first 24 hours and the international response.
Russia and Ukraine
Trump reiterated his claim to end the Russia-Ukraine war within 24 hours of taking office but softened his stance by extending the timeline to six months.
In a pointed critique, Trump said Vladimir Putin was “destroying Russia by not making a deal,” signaling a harder tone against the Russian president. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov diplomatically noted that Russia respects “the choice of the American people” while sidestepping Trump’s criticism.
Middle East Policy
Trump expressed skepticism about the longevity of the US-brokered Israel-Hamas ceasefire, calling the conflict “their war, not ours.” He hinted at redevelopment opportunities for Gaza, likening it to a “phenomenal location” for investment, despite the devastation.
Reversing Biden-era sanctions, Trump rescinded penalties on Israeli settlers in the West Bank, marking a return to his pro-Israel stance. His administration is credited with the 2020 Abraham Accords, a key achievement he plans to build upon.
North Korea
Tensions rose in South Korea after Trump referred to North Korea as a “nuclear power,” a term avoided by US officials to prevent legitimizing the regime’s nuclear ambitions. South Korean officials reaffirmed that North Korea cannot be recognized as a nuclear state.
China and Trade
Trump revisited his trade war playbook, hinting at a 60% tariff on Chinese goods and suggesting the US should “get half of TikTok.”
He delayed a Biden-era law requiring TikTok’s sale to American entities, raising questions about his future approach to Chinese tech companies. China expressed cautious willingness to cooperate under principles of “mutual respect.”
European Tensions
Far-right leaders from Europe attended Trump’s inauguration, including Italy’s Giorgia Meloni and Hungary’s Viktor Orban, both seen as Trump allies. Orban declared a “new phase” of offensive against the EU’s mainstream policies, a statement that alarmed Brussels.
Trump reiterated his demand for NATO members to double their defense contributions to 5% of GDP, stoking European fears of a diminished US commitment to the alliance.
Climate and Energy
Fulfilling expectations, Trump signed an executive order to withdraw the US from the Paris Climate Accord. Criticizing the deal as a “rip-off,” he vowed to expand offshore drilling, reversing Biden’s recent coastal drilling ban. Environmentalists warn this move undermines global climate efforts.
WHO Withdrawal
Trump officially withdrew the US from the World Health Organization, criticizing its ties to China and questioning funding disparities. The decision threatens global health initiatives addressing diseases like HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis.
Global Reactions
From Moscow to Brussels, Trump’s second term has sent ripples across the globe. His bold moves have reinforced his image as a disruptor but risk alienating allies and emboldening rivals. With 1,461 days ahead, the world braces for more shifts under Trump’s leadership.