Trump in Power: Controversies, Decisions, and Global Impact

President Donald Trump has begun his second term with a series of measures that have sparked controversy both nationally and internationally. Since his January 20, 2025 inauguration, his government has been the center of global attention, polarizing opinions and igniting debates about his leadership.?

While in some countries his figure and online reputation are seen as models of authority and strength, in others, he is heavily criticized, especially for his immigration policies, mass pardons, and his decision to withdraw the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO).

A Controversial Start to His Term

Trump's inauguration was filled with symbolism but also controversy. One of the most striking moments was Elon Musk’s gesture, extending his right arm in a movement that many compared to a Nazi salute.

This act was widely debated on social media and in the press, sparking outrage, speculation, and even reputational damage.?

Musk, for his part, posted on X:?

“Frankly, they need better dirty tricks. The “everyone is Hitler” attack is sooo tired ??”

However, this episode was not the only event that put the new administration in the spotlight.?

Shortly after taking office, Trump signed a series of executive orders aimed at radically transforming national policies, reversing decisions from his predecessor, and fulfilling his campaign promises.

Mass Pardons: Clemency for January 6 Defendants

One of Trump’s first actions in his second term was granting pardons to more than 1,500 people prosecuted for their involvement in the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.?

This included high-profile members of the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers, whose leaders had their sentences commuted to time served.

The impact of this measure has been profound, both domestically and internationally. To his supporters, it is an act of justice that vindicates those they consider “political prisoners”. To his critics, it is an affront to democracy and a dangerous precedent of impunity.

Mass Deportations and the Use of Guantánamo as a Detention Center

Trump has also drastically tightened immigration policies. In his first days in office, his government has deported nearly 1,000 undocumented individuals daily, many of whom have no criminal records.

Women, children, and entire families have been forcibly sent back to their home countries, sparking strong criticism from human rights organizations.

Testimonies from deportees reveal inhumane conditions during transport. Children have been held for hours without food or water, shackled at the hands and feet, with their belongings reduced to a cloth bundle.?

Many have had their passports, money, and personal belongings confiscated, leaving them completely vulnerable upon arrival in their home countries. Reports of physical and psychological abuse, as well as systematic theft by authorities, have heightened tensions between the U.S. and several Latin American nations.

Diplomatic Tensions with Colombia, Mexico, and Brazil

El endurecimiento de las deportaciones ha generado roces diplomáticos con varios países:

The crackdown on deportations has caused diplomatic friction with several countries:

• Colombia rejected the arrival of two U.S. military planes carrying more than 100 deported migrants in inhumane conditions. Colombian President Gustavo Petro denounced that deportees traveled shackled and under police custody, leading the government to send the planes back to the U.S. in protest.

In response, Trump imposed a 25% tariff on Colombian imports, which could increase in the coming weeks. To resolve the diplomatic crisis, Colombia sent military, commercial, and even presidential aircraft to repatriate its citizens under humane conditions.

Gustavo Petro posted on X:

"They are Colombians, they are free and dignified, and they are in their homeland where they are wanted. A migrant is not a criminal, they are a human being who wants to work and progress, to live life."

• Mexico has maintained a more diplomatic stance, urging “level-headedness” in handling the crisis. President Claudia Sheinbaum acknowledged an increase in deportations but clarified that it has not been drastically different from the final months of Joe Biden’s administration.
• Brazil also lodged formal complaints after receiving migrants in deplorable conditions. The government of Lula da Silva condemned the excessive use of shackles and chains, calling it a violation of bilateral repatriation agreements.

Guantánamo: Trump’s New Immigrant Detention Center

Located in southeastern Cuba, the Guantánamo Bay Naval Base has historically been used by the U.S. as a military detention facility. However, Trump has decided to repurpose it as a prison for immigrants deemed “high-priority criminals.”?

With a capacity to hold up to 30,000 people, this measure has faced harsh criticism from international organizations and political leaders.

The Trump administration claims this initiative aims to enhance national security, preventing immigrants with criminal backgrounds from being released in the U.S.?

However, human rights advocates warn that the decision could lead to systematic abuses, recalling the documented mistreatment at Guantánamo during the “War on Terror.”

The president has announced that the Guantánamo detention center will be operational in the coming months, with the deployment of Homeland Security agents and the expansion of detention facilities. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, considering that it could lead to new tensions with Cuba, which has long demanded the return of the territory.

U.S. Withdrawal from the WHO

In one of his most shocking decisions, Trump announced that the U.S. will withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO).?

The president justified the move by claiming that the WHO “is controlled by China and has proven ineffective” in handling global health crises. This measure has been widely criticized by the international community, as it represents a significant blow to global health cooperation.

Reversing Biden-Era Executive Orders

Trump has revoked 78 executive orders signed by Joe Biden, including policies related to LGTBQ+ rights, environmental regulations, and immigration policies.

Among the most controversial decisions is the repeal of the order allowing transgender individuals to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces, a move that has resulted in reputational damage for Trump among the LGTBQ+ community.

Federal Workforce Regulations and the Elimination of Diversity Programs

Another executive order signed by Trump puts an end to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs within the federal government.

The measure has sparked backlash among activists and federal employees, who view it as a setback in the fight against discrimination.

Additionally, the president has issued an order to freeze federal hiring and require employees to return to full-time in-office work, eliminating the flexibility introduced during the pandemic.

Renaming Iconic U.S. Landmarks and Declassifying Files

Trump has also taken symbolic actions, such as renaming the Gulf of Mexico to “Gulf of America” and restoring the name of Mount McKinley, which was changed to Denali in 2015.

Furthermore, he has signed an executive order to declassify files related to the assassinations of John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, and Martin Luther King Jr.

Washington Air Crisis and Trump’s Response

On January 29, a commercial airplane collided with a military helicopter over Washington, D.C., killing 67 people.

Without evidence, Trump blamed the accident on diversity policies implemented by Obama and Biden within the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

According to the president, the FAA hired individuals with "severe intellectual disabilities and psychiatric problems," which, he claimed, compromised air safety.

His statements have been widely criticized by aviation experts and civil rights organizations.

On social media, many Trump supporters echoed his claims, leading to online defamation campaigns against Biden and Obama.

A Presidency of High Expectations and Controversies

In just a few days, Trump has shaped a government that deviates sharply from the previous administration, earning admiration from his supporters and criticism from his opponents.

How will these decisions impact the U.S.'s global image? Will Trump be able to sustain his agenda without facing strong internal opposition?