Trump's First Year Back in Office: A Mix of Action and Unfinished Business
Donald Trump's initial year back as US President has unfolded with a series of bold actions and contentious decisions. His administration has pushed forward with aggressive foreign policy moves while also floating several domestic ideas that have sparked debate. The period showcases a blend of achieved goals and pledges that still await fulfillment.
Key Achievements and Policy Initiatives
1. Air Force One Upgrade
President Trump oversaw the acquisition of a luxury Boeing 747 aircraft from Qatar. This plane will serve as the new Air Force One. Workers are currently retrofitting the jet in Texas to meet strict US security requirements. The project carries an estimated cost ranging from $400 million to $1 billion. Although Trump initially promised a six-month completion timeline, officials now suggest the aircraft might only become operational after his term concludes in January 2029.
2. Foreign Policy and Territorial Ambitions
Following the US military's role in removing Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, Trump renewed efforts to assert American influence over Greenland. He described the territory as strategically vital for the United States. However, Denmark has firmly rejected any potential US takeover attempt.
The administration also attempted to reshape relations with Cuba after the Venezuela intervention. Trump proposed broader interventions in Mexico, Panama, and Gaza, though most of these plans have not moved beyond the proposal stage.
3. Immigration and Border Policies
Trump proposed housing up to 30,000 individuals he described as the "worst criminal aliens" at the Guantanamo Bay detention facility. The number of people held there under this initiative peaked at 500 before declining.
He also considered reopening the historic Alcatraz prison as a detention center for immigration cases. This project remains in very early planning stages with no concrete implementation timeline.
4. Economic Measures and Tariffs
To address housing affordability concerns, Trump suggested extending standard mortgage terms from 30 years to 50 years. He proposed using tariff revenue to fund $2,000 payments to American citizens, though actual tariff collections fell short of required amounts. Promises to reduce taxes through tariff income remain largely unfulfilled at this stage.
5. Defense and Missile Programs
Trump unveiled ambitious plans for a Golden Dome missile defense system. This $175 billion program aims to place American weapons in space by 2029, representing a significant expansion of US defensive capabilities.
Controversial or Unfulfilled Promises
1. Third Term Speculations
Despite the US Constitution clearly prohibiting presidents from serving more than two terms, Trump has publicly speculated about a potential third term. He has suggested the possibility of a "constitutional movement" to allow such an extension, though this faces significant legal and political hurdles.
2. Extreme Foreign Interventions
Several dramatic foreign policy proposals never materialized. These included transforming Gaza into what Trump called a "Riviera of the Middle East" and asserting control over Canada. Both ideas were widely dismissed by the international community.
Planned inspections of Fort Knox gold reserves with entrepreneur Elon Musk also failed to materialize despite initial announcements.
3. Domestic Symbolic Projects
Construction continues on the demolition of the East Wing and building of a $400 million ballroom. While Trump claims private funding supports this project, details about the financing remain partly undisclosed.
The President pushed for renaming the Department of Defense as the Department of War. He also advocated adding his name to the Kennedy Center. Both changes would require Congressional approval that has not been forthcoming.
