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Week Three of the Trump Administration: Executive Orders, Trade Wars, and Controversial Proposals
President Donald Trump’s third week in office was marked by a flurry of executive orders, a temporary reprieve from trade wars with Canada and Mexico, and controversial proposals that sparked both confusion and outrage. From reshaping government policies to making light of sensitive political issues, Trump continued to assert his unconventional approach to governance.
Executive Orders: A Signature of the Trump Presidency
In his first 20 days in office, President Trump signed a staggering 92 presidential actions, including executive orders. This rapid pace of policymaking has become a hallmark of his administration, with Trump using his executive authority to dismantle many of his predecessor’s policies. On Inauguration Day alone, Trump issued orders to pardon members of the mob that attacked the Capitol on January 6, 2021, withdraw the U.S. from the Paris climate accord, and ensure the continued operation of TikTok.
The signings often took place in the Oval Office, with Trump occasionally using a miniature desk adorned with the presidential seal. This symbolic prop has become a favorite of Trump’s, who even considered incorporating it into his inauguration ceremony. The orders themselves have been wide-ranging, from banning transgender athletes from participating in women’s and girls’ sports to preparing to ban paper straws. Even the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz was commemorated with a presidential action.
Trump’s use of executive orders has drawn comparisons to his predecessors, Barack Obama and Joe Biden, who also used their executive authority to advance their agendas. However, the sheer volume and speed of Trump’s actions have raised eyebrows, with critics questioning the impact on the stability and functionality of the federal government.
Trade Wars: A Temporary Reprieve for Canada and Mexico
While Trump has been quick to use executive orders, he has also shown a willingness to backtrack on some of his more contentious policies. This week, the president temporarily suspended his tariff threats against Canada and Mexico, averting a potential North American trade war. The move came as the U.S. prepares for separate talks with its two largest trading partners over the next 30 days.
However, Trump did follow through on trade penalties against China, imposing a 10% tax on imports from the country. White House aides have downplayed the possibility of a full-blown trade war, insisting that the tariffs are designed to pressure China and other countries to address issues like drug smuggling and illegal immigration. Despite this, economists have warned that the tariffs could lead to increased inflation and reduced economic growth.
The administration has framed the reprieve for Canada and Mexico as a win, pointing to Canada’s creation of a "fentanyl czar" and Mexico’s deployment of 10,000 National Guard troops to the border. Yet, many experts view the situation as a near catastrophe averted, given the potentially devastating economic consequences of the tariffs.
Elon Musk and the Push for Government Efficiency
Elon Musk has emerged as a key player in Trump’s efforts to reshape the federal workforce. As head of the Department of Government Efficiency, Musk has overseen a series of sweeping changes aimed at streamlining government operations. These efforts have included pulling nearly all U.S. Agency for International Development workers off the job worldwide and pressuring millions of federal workers, including those at the CIA, to resign.
Musk’s influence extended to the Treasury Department’s payment information system, with his team temporarily gaining access to the sensitive records. This move raised serious concerns about transparency and accountability, prompting a federal judge to block further access and schedule a hearing for February 14. The Treasury Department sought to reassure Democratic lawmakers by stating that no changes were being made to the system, but anonymous sources revealed that Musk’s team had been exploring ways to block USAID payments.
The payments system, which handles trillions of dollars annually, is a critical component of the federal government’s operations. It facilitates everything from income tax payments to Social Security and Medicare benefits. Any disruption to this system could have far-reaching consequences for the economy and individual citizens.
"Half-Jokingly, but Also Serious": Trump’s Unique Communication Style
One of the defining features of Trump’s presidency has been his unconventional communication style, which often blurs the line between humor and seriousness. This week, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt found herself defending Trump’s nomination of Linda McMahon as head of the Education Department, despite his earlier suggestions of shutting down the agency entirely. Leavitt explained that Trump had made the comment "half-jokingly, but also serious," implying that McMahon would work to make the agency obsolete.
Trump’s tendency to joke about sensitive topics has been a recurring theme throughout his presidency. When asked about the disappearance of key data from government websites, the president responded with a mix of humor and ambiguity. "That doesn’t sound like a bad idea," he quipped, leaving many to wonder if he was serious. Similarly, Trump has repeatedly laughed about the possibility of seeking a third term as president, despite constitutional prohibitions against it. At a recent rally in Las Vegas, he joked about serving "not once but twice or three times or four times," adding, "No, it will be to serve twice."
This style of communication has often left both supporters and critics scratching their heads. While some view it as a way to keep the public engaged and off-balance, others see it as a sign of instability and a lack of seriousness in addressing pressing issues.
The Gaza Proposal: A Controversial Vision for the Middle East
Perhaps the most explosive moment of the week came when Trump floated the idea of the U.S. seizing control of Gaza, relocating its Palestinian residents, and redeveloping the area into a luxury tourist destination. The proposal, which Trump insisted was not a joke, drew widespread condemnation from both allies and adversaries around the world.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio attempted to walk back the comments, suggesting that any resettlement would be temporary. However, Trump doubled down on his vision, describing it as "slowly and carefully begin[ning] the construction of what would become one of the greatest and most spectacular developments of its kind on Earth." The idea of transforming Gaza into "the Riviera of the Middle East" was met with disbelief and outrage, with many questioning the feasibility, morality, and potential consequences of such a plan.
The Gaza proposal has once again highlighted Trump’s willingness to disregard diplomatic norms and push the boundaries of what is considered acceptable in international relations. Whether or not the idea was genuinely intended as policy, it has undeniably added to the sense of chaos and unpredictability surrounding the Trump administration.
Conclusion: A Week of Chaos and Controversy
In many ways, the third week of Trump’s presidency was a microcosm of his entire tenure. From the relentless pace of executive orders to the controversial proposals and half-joking comments, Trump has continued to defy expectations and push the boundaries of traditional governance.
While some may view Trump’s actions as a breath of fresh air in a stale political landscape, others see them as a recipe for disaster. The temporary reprieve from trade wars with Canada and Mexico, the court challenge over access to the Treasury payment system, and the outcry over the Gaza proposal all serve as reminders of the high stakes involved in Trump’s unorthodox approach to the presidency.
As the administration moves forward, one thing is clear: Donald Trump remains committed to remaking the government and the country in his image. Whether that vision will ultimately succeed or fail remains to be seen, but there is little doubt that the journey will be anything but ordinary.
