When Donald J. Trump won the 2024 presidential election and took office on January 20, 2025, it felt like the world was watching a high-stakes thriller unfold in real time. From the moment he stepped into the Oval Office, Trump wasted no time making his presence felt. Hours turned into days, and days into weeks, as he signed a flurry of executive orders, made bold policy announcements, and took actions that left both his supporters and critics on the edge of their seats. The global reaction was a mix of awe, disbelief, and anticipation. For some, it was a triumphant return to America-first policies; for others, it was a chaotic upheaval of the status quo.
But as the initial shock wore off, one thing became clear: Trump’s popularity wasn’t just surviving—it was thriving. Even after January 20, 2025, when the dust began to settle and the new administration took shape, Trump remained a dominant force in American politics. His controversial actions, while polarizing, only seemed to galvanize his base further. Let’s explore the reasons behind Trump’s enduring appeal, including some of the most headline-grabbing moves of his second term.
1. Mediating Between Israel and Hamas to End the War
In a surprising diplomatic move, Trump inserted himself into the decades-long conflict between Israel and Hamas, brokering a temporary ceasefire and hosting high-stakes negotiations at Camp David. Leveraging his relationships with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and key leaders in the Middle East, Trump positioned himself as a dealmaker capable of achieving what others could not.
While the ceasefire was fragile and critics questioned its long-term viability, Trump’s supporters hailed the effort as a testament to his ability to tackle even the most intractable problems. The move also reinforced his image as a global leader unafraid to wade into complex geopolitical issues.
2. A Call to Putin to End the War with Ukraine
Trump’s approach to the Russia-Ukraine conflict was equally bold. In a series of phone calls with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump pushed for a negotiated settlement to end the war. His supporters praised him for prioritizing peace and avoiding further escalation, while critics accused him of being too lenient on Putin and undermining Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Regardless of the controversy, Trump’s direct engagement with Putin showcased his willingness to take unconventional approaches to foreign policy, further endearing him to his base, who saw him as a president unafraid to challenge diplomatic norms.
3. Threatening Colombia Over Deportation Flights
One of the most contentious moments of Trump’s second term came when Colombia refused to allow a U.S. airplane carrying deported Colombian nationals to land on its soil. In response, Trump issued a stern warning to the Colombian government, threatening to cut off aid and impose economic sanctions if they did not comply.
The move sparked outrage in Colombia and drew criticism from human rights organizations, but Trump’s base applauded his tough stance, viewing it as a necessary step to enforce immigration laws and protect American interests. The incident underscored Trump’s commitment to his hardline immigration policies, even in the face of international pushback.
4. The Formation of DOGE and the Appointment of Elon Musk
One of Trump’s most unexpected and controversial actions was the creation of The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a new temporarily established organization. Trump appointed none other than billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk to led DOGE. DOGE is scheduled to end on July 4, 2026. Its purpose is to carry out Trump’s agenda of federal spending cuts and deregulation, and, according to the order that established it, to “modernize federal technology and software to maximize governmental efficiency and productivity. The move was met with both excitement and skepticism. Supporters praised Trump for thinking outside the box and bringing in a visionary like Musk to tackle to maximize governmental efficiency and productivity. Critics, however, questioned the legality of creating a new department without congressional approval and raised concerns about Musk’s close ties to the administration.
Regardless of the controversy, the formation of DOGE and Musk’s appointment underscored Trump’s willingness to disrupt traditional governance and embrace unconventional solutions—a hallmark of his leadership style.
5. Dramatically Shutting Down USAID
In a move that sent shockwaves through the international community, Trump dramatically scaled back the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), effectively gutting its budget and redirecting funds toward domestic programs. Trump argued that the U.S. should prioritize its own citizens before spending billions on foreign aid. While this decision was celebrated by his base as a bold step toward putting America first, it drew sharp criticism from global leaders and humanitarian organizations, who warned of the devastating impact on vulnerable populations worldwide.
DOGE’s Recent cost cutting report:
As of February 17, 2025, The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, has claimed total estimated savings of $55 billion through various cost-cutting measures. These include fraud detection and deletion, contract and lease cancellations or renegotiations, asset sales, grant cancellations, workforce reductions, programmatic changes, and regulatory savings.
This announcement comes amid widespread criticism that DOGE’s cuts are driven more by political ideology than genuine cost-saving measures.
This action reinforced Trump’s America-first agenda and solidified his reputation as a president unafraid to make tough—and often controversial—decisions.
6. Tariff Wars with Mexico, Canada, and China
Trump’s second term saw a dramatic escalation in his trade policies, particularly with Mexico, Canada, and China. He imposed sweeping tariffs on imports from these countries, arguing that they were necessary to protect American industries and jobs. The move sparked immediate backlash, with retaliatory tariffs threatening to destabilize global trade.
While economists warned of the potential for a trade war and its impact on the U.S. economy, Trump’s supporters applauded his tough stance on trade, viewing it as a necessary step to level the playing field for American workers. The tariff wars became a defining feature of Trump’s second term, further cementing his image as a president willing to take on the world to defend American interests.
7. Sweeping Out and Deportation of Illegal Immigrants
Trump’s hardline immigration policies reached new heights in his second term, with a massive crackdown on illegal immigration. He authorized sweeping raids and deportations, targeting millions of undocumented immigrants across the country. The administration also implemented stricter border controls and expanded detention facilities, drawing comparisons to some of the most controversial moments of his first term.
While human rights organizations and immigration advocates condemned these actions as inhumane, Trump’s base hailed them as long-overdue enforcement of the law. For his supporters, the crackdown was a fulfillment of his promise to secure the border and protect American jobs.
8. The Fight with Mexico Over the Gulf of Mexico
In one of the most bizarre and headline-grabbing moments of his presidency, Trump launched a campaign to rename the Gulf of Mexico the “Gulf of America.” He argued that the current name was outdated and did not reflect the United States’ dominant presence in the region. The move sparked a diplomatic spat with Mexico, with leaders south of the border dismissing the proposal as absurd and offensive.
While the name change never materialized, the controversy highlighted Trump’s penchant for stirring the pot and keeping the world guessing. For his supporters, it was another example of Trump’s willingness to challenge the status quo and assert American dominance on the global stage.
9. Massive Cuts to Federal Employees
In a bid to reduce government spending and streamline bureaucracy, Trump announced sweeping cuts to the federal workforce, eliminating thousands of jobs across multiple agencies. The move was framed as a necessary step to curb government overreach and waste, but it drew fierce opposition from federal employee unions and Democrats, who warned of the impact on public services.
For Trump’s base, however, the cuts were a welcome sign of fiscal responsibility and a commitment to shrinking the size of government. The move reinforced Trump’s image as a disruptor who was unafraid to take on entrenched interests.
10. Legal Challenges to Trump’s Drastic Federal Cuts
President Donald Trump’s sweeping actions to slash funding for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and overhaul federal spending through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) have triggered a wave of legal battles. A coalition of state governments, labor unions, and advocacy organizations has filed lawsuits challenging the legality of these measures, arguing they violate existing contracts, overstep executive authority, and undermine U.S. obligations abroad.
Lawsuits Over USAID Cuts
One of the most significant legal challenges comes from a group of humanitarian and legal organizations, including the American Bar Association (ABA), which filed suit against Trump’s executive order that drastically cut USAID’s budget. Critics argue that the abrupt withdrawal of aid funding violates congressional appropriations laws and could cause irreparable harm to vulnerable populations worldwide.
In response to the lawsuit, U.S. District Judge Amir Ali issued a temporary injunction on February 13, 2025, blocking the immediate implementation of the cuts while the case proceeds. Meanwhile, USAID contractors and labor unions have filed separate legal actions, claiming that the administration’s decision breaches existing contracts and employment agreements. Many of these organizations are seeking an emergency ruling to halt layoffs that could shrink USAID’s workforce to fewer than 300 employees.
Challenges to DOGE and Musk’s Authority
Beyond USAID, the creation and operations of DOGE—led by Elon Musk in a powerful advisory role—have also drawn legal scrutiny. Fourteen Democratic state attorneys general have filed a federal lawsuit questioning Musk’s authority, arguing that his role effectively grants him decision-making power over federal budgets without proper Senate confirmation. The lawsuit further raises concerns over his access to sensitive government data and his sweeping influence over agency downsizing.
While the lawsuit is pending, U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan declined to issue a temporary restraining order that would prevent Musk and DOGE from carrying out agency reductions. In her ruling, she acknowledged the serious constitutional questions about Musk’s role but determined that there was no immediate proof of irreparable harm that justified blocking DOGE’s actions at this stage.
The Road Ahead
These legal battles are far from over. While some courts have intervened to pause elements of Trump’s plans, others have allowed key parts of the restructuring to proceed while litigation unfolds. The outcomes of these cases will have far-reaching implications, not only for foreign aid and domestic agencies but also for the limits of executive power in reshaping federal programs.
As the controversy escalates, the Democrats, congressional leaders, and international allies are all closely watching how the courts will rule on Trump’s latest bold—and deeply polarizing—policy shift.
Conclusion: The Trump Phenomenon Isn’t Going Away
Donald Trump’s popularity after January 20, 2025, is a testament to his unique ability to connect with a significant portion of the American electorate. His brand of politics, which blends populism, nationalism, and a rejection of the status quo, has reshaped the Republican Party and left an indelible mark on the nation.
Whether you view him as a savior or a disruptor, there’s no denying that Trump has changed the rules of the political game. As long as there are Americans who feel left behind by the system, Trump—or the movement he has inspired—will remain a powerful force in American politics.
References:
- Nate Silver on Trump’s Appeal
- The Rise of Populism in America
- Trump’s Impact on the Republican Party
- DOGE
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