Trump Administration's Bold Moves: A Recap of the Week's Actions

From proposing a U.S. takeover of Gaza to banning transgender athletes from female sports, Trump's administration pushed forward an array of controversial policies this week, reflecting his political agenda and partnerships.

This past week marked another notable period for Donald Trump and his administration, as they executed a series of significant actions and initiatives that have caught the attention of both supporters and critics. Here’s an overview of 15 key developments observed during the week:

1. **Proposed U.S. Governance of Gaza**
During a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, Trump put forth the idea of U.S. governance in Gaza following the ongoing conflict. He suggested the U.S. would not only manage the area but also oversee the resettlement of its Palestinian inhabitants.

2. **Massive Cuts to USAID**
Trump's administration plans to furlough a significant portion of USAID's workforce, leaving only essential staff operational. These cuts come amid broader strategies aimed at restructuring the agency, fuelling concerns within the global aid community.

3. **Tariff Adjustments with China and North America**
Trump implemented a 10% tariff on Chinese goods while postponing threats of steeper tariffs on Canada and Mexico, contingent upon border security commitments made by both nations.

4. **Federal Workforce Reduction Incentives**
An initiative to incentivize voluntary resignations among federal workers faced legal challenges just before its expected implementation. The proposal saw a mixed response from within the civil service.

5. **Sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC)**
On Thursday, Trump signed an executive order imposing sanctions on ICC personnel who investigate American citizens. This move intends to counter perceived challenges against U.S. sovereignty.

6. **Military Action Against IS in Somalia**
Trump confirmed orders for U.S. military strikes targeting ISIS operatives in Somalia, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to combating international terrorism.

7. **Withdrawal from UN Agencies**
The administration announced its withdrawal from key United Nations organizations, including the UNRWA and UNHRC, as part of its stance against international oversight perceived to be contrary to U.S. interests.

8. **New Deportation Policies**
In a controversial move, Trump marked the first deportation flights of migrants to Guantanamo Bay, part of a broader initiative to increase detention capacity at the facility.

9. **Rare Earth Metals Negotiations**
Trump requested Ukraine to assure the supply of rare earth metals in return for considerable financial aid, reflecting strategic interests in securing critical resources.

10. **Transgender Athlete Ban**
An executive order was signed barring transgender women from competing in women’s sports, an action designed to engage conservative support ahead of the upcoming elections.

11. **Water Release Management**
Following recent wildfires in Los Angeles, Trump ordered the release of water resources in a move contributing to ongoing debates over water management practices in California.

12. **Combating Anti-Christian Bias**
Trump established a task force aimed at addressing perceived anti-Christian discrimination within government operations, underscoring his administration's focus on religious freedoms.

13. **Golf Industry Involvement**
In a surprising turn, Trump intervened to facilitate discussions between rival golf organizations PGA Tour and LIV Golf, reflecting his dual interests in politics and sports.

14. **Erasure of Climate References**
Reports emerged of the administration's directive to delete climate change mentions from various government websites, indicating a shift in environmental policy communications.

15. **Enhanced Access for Elon Musk’s Initiative**
The administration provided Musk's "Doge" team with access to the federal payment system, raising questions about transparency and governance in federally controlled financial transactions.

As the week progressed, the Trump administration's initiatives have raised eyebrows across various sectors, mobilizing a mix of support and criticism in the ongoing political landscape.