LAHORE: Donald Trump’s second term has begun with a series of decisive moves, setting a strong tone for his presidency.
His first few days in office have already sparked global reactions, particularly in foreign policy and domestic affairs.
In his opening remarks, Trump reiterated his goal of ending the Russia-Ukraine war quickly, initially claiming he could resolve it within 24 hours. However, he later adjusted the timeline to six months, citing concerns that President Vladimir Putin was undermining Russia’s stability by not seeking a settlement. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov acknowledged the American public’s choice but declined to comment directly on Trump’s remarks.
Trump cast doubt on the sustainability of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire, calling it “their war” and not America’s. He also mentioned Gaza as a potential location for major investment, even though the region is ravaged by conflict. In addition, Trump has lifted restrictions on Israeli settlers in the West Bank, a reversal of Biden-era policies that strengthened his pro-Israel position.
Trump raised tensions on the Korean peninsula by referring to North Korea as a “nuclear power,” a term traditionally avoided by US officials. This raised concerns in South Korea, where officials stressed that North Korea should not be recognized as a nuclear state. The move underscores ongoing tensions over North Korea’s nuclear ambitions.
Trump has also taken a tough stance on China and expressed the possibility of imposing a 60 percent tariff on Chinese imports. He delayed a law requiring US companies to sell TikTok, raising open questions about his approach to Chinese tech companies. China’s response was cautiously optimistic, indicating a willingness to cooperate on the basis of “mutual respect”.
Trump’s inauguration saw the presence of right-wing European leaders such as Hungary’s Viktor Orbán and Italy’s Giorgia Maloney, both of whom are considered allies. Trump also reiterated his demand that NATO members increase defense spending, raising concerns in Europe about America’s commitment to the alliance.
Trump signed an executive order formally withdrawing the U.S. from the Paris climate accord, calling the deal a bad deal for the U.S. He reversed the Biden administration’s recent policy of expanding offshore drilling. Tried too. Environmentalists have warned that this could hamper global environmental efforts.
In another move that sparked debate, Trump announced the withdrawal of the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO), citing concerns over the organization’s relationship with China and discrepancies in funding. The decision could have implications for global health initiatives going forward.
Trump’s initial decisions have triggered a range of reactions from leaders around the world, highlighting polarized responses to his leadership. His actions show that his second term will continue to challenge the status quo domestically and internationally.
