Since returning to office, Donald Trump has taken several controversial actions that have attracted public attention. These actions include mass deportation efforts, attempting to end birthright citizenship, imposing tariffs that strained relations with Colombia, withdrawing the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement again, and rolling back Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs.
After a highly competitive election, Trump won against democratic nominee and then Vice President Kamala Harris. However, many of his actions since taking office have raised concerns about reversing years of progress.
Aggressive Mass Deportation Campaigns
Trump has signed executive orders that expand U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) authority, which includes fast-tracking deportations. This decision could have significant consequences for both immigrants and the broader community.
As CNN reports, “He signed executive orders that would give the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency greater ability to conduct enforcement actions in sensitive areas.”
Critics argue that this could lead to family separations, increased poverty for deportees, and strain industries that rely on immigrant workers, further deepening economic inequality.
ICE has been seen in Washington state, with Highline releasing an email to reiterate and enforce the safety of students.
In the email, which was sent out to the Highline community on Jan. 24, titled “Highline’s commitment to Immigrant Community” the Highline College Executive Cabinet stated, “Highline College does not share personal information for immigration enforcement purposes without a legal requirement, such as a valid court order or judicial warrant.”
Attempt to End Birthright Citizenship
Trump has attempted to end birthright citizenship, challenging the 14th Amendment. He issued an executive order that would prevent children born in the U.S. to non-citizen parents from automatically receiving U.S. citizenship.
A White House press release states, “This executive order targets those born to non-citizen parents, seeking to redefine birthright citizenship.” This move is likely to result in lengthy legal challenges.
Fortunately here in Washington, a federal judge in Seattle temporarily blocked President Donald Trump’s attempt to rescind birthright citizenship — the idea spelled out in the Constitution that every person born in the United States is an American citizen.
A Seattle Times staff reporter recorded how the executive order will continue to be blocked for at least 14 days while lawsuits in Washington and elsewhere proceed. “Washington will next seek a preliminary injunction from Coughenour, which would continue to block the executive order as cases move along,” he said.
Tariffs and Diplomatic Fallout with Colombia
Trump imposed tariffs on Colombia after the country refused to accept deported migrants, which created tensions with the U.S.’s key Latin American ally. According to Reuters, “Trump threatened 25% tariffs on goods imported from Colombia if the country does not agree to accept deported migrants, leading to a significant diplomatic backlash.”
While the tariffs strained trade relations, the two nations eventually reached a compromise, with Reuters noting, “After Colombia agreed to accept deported migrants via U.S. military aircraft, Trump agreed to suspend the tariffs.”
Pulling the U.S. Out of the Paris Climate Agreement
Trump also decided to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement again. This decision has drawn criticism, as it sets back global efforts to combat climate change.
AP News reports: “President Donald Trump signed an executive order Monday directing the United States to again withdraw from the landmark Paris climate agreement, dealing a blow to worldwide efforts to combat global warming.”
This move has isolated the U.S. from countries committed to addressing climate change.
Rollback of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Programs
Trump has rolled back several DEI programs, citing concerns over divisive ideologies. The Guardian reports, “Trump has taken executive action to limit DEI programs, arguing that they promote ideologies that undermine national unity.”
This has led to companies like McDonald’s, Ford, and Meta pulling back from their internal diversity programs. Critics argue that these changes could slow down efforts to address racial and gender inequalities. As The Guardian notes, “Opponents of Trump’s action argue that it could erode progress in creating more inclusive workplaces and educational systems.”
Overall, these actions taken by Trump since returning to office have raised significant debate about their potential long-term effects on the U.S. While supporters argue that these moves are necessary for national security and economic growth, critics warn that they could undo progress made on issues such as immigration reform, climate change, and social equality.
As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how these controversial decisions will shape the future of the nation and its relationship with the rest of the world.