President Donald Trump's second week in office delivered a barrage of upheaval for the country, full of chaotic decisions and political moves that stirred both criticism and controversy.
Trump’s administration quickly backtracked on an initial directive to freeze federal funding for grants and loans, a move that caused widespread disruption and lawsuits. Additionally, the president stirred outrage with unfounded claims regarding the deadly plane crash near Washington.
The week also marked an escalation of Trump’s efforts to reshape the government, with his administration pushing out prosecutors involved in Capitol riot cases, targeting FBI officials, and leaning on his billionaire ally, Elon Musk, to cut back the federal workforce.
Key events from Trump’s second week include:
Old Problems Resurface with the New Administration
While Trump’s first week showcased some organizational progress and a flurry of executive orders, his second week saw confusion and backlash. The White House was forced to retract a memo that had caused widespread disruption by freezing federal funding, and Trump responded to the aviation disaster by making baseless accusations about diversity initiatives. His rhetoric stirred memories of the chaos of his first term, particularly regarding the travel ban and COVID-19 briefings.
Trump’s Efforts to Remake Washington
Trump’s vision for sweeping changes, especially in the Justice Department, continued to unfold. His administration ousted key prosecutors and pressured top FBI officials to retire or face firing. In a move reflecting his aggressive agenda, Trump’s team sought to identify FBI agents involved in the January 6 investigation. Meanwhile, a top Treasury official resigned, and federal websites removed references to “gender ideology,” signaling an all-out push to overhaul Washington institutions.
Blaming DEI for National Problems
Throughout the week, Trump pointed fingers at diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, blaming them for a range of issues. His administration took steps to undo government DEI efforts, and Trump baselessly suggested that these programs contributed to the fatal aviation crash. His critiques extended to the Federal Reserve, where he claimed that too much focus on DEI led to inflation problems.
The First Major Setback of the Trump Administration
Trump faced his first significant policy setback with the controversial freeze on federal grants, which affected essential services across the nation. The backlash was swift, and the White House quickly reversed the memo. However, the administration’s broader agenda to cut government spending and limit programs in line with Trump’s priorities remained intact.
Disrupting the Federal Workforce
Trump's campaign promise to dismantle the “deep state” took shape as federal employees were offered a controversial “fork in the road” deal—eight months of paid leave if they resigned. The offer raised concerns about the legality and the potential for creating a toxic work environment. The administration also took action against federal officials involved in DEI efforts, raising questions about its long-term impact on the federal workforce.
Escalating Trade Tensions
Trump reignited trade tensions, imposing tariffs on Canada and Mexico to combat issues like fentanyl smuggling and illegal immigration. The tariffs quickly sparked retaliatory measures from both countries, highlighting the potential risks of Trump's trade war approach. The decision to impose additional tariffs raised concerns about its impact on inflation and the cost of living for American households.