Donald Trump has been back in the White House for a month, and his recent actions in his fifth week as president have been quite significant. He is continuing with his plans to overhaul the federal government, make extensive budget cuts, and reshape American foreign policy. This week, he made headlines by calling Ukraine’s president a “dictator”, promising to make IVF more affordable, and dismissing his highest-ranking military officer. Here are 19 major moves from the Trump administration this week:
1. Trump referred to Ukraine’s President Zelensky as a “dictator” in a heated exchange between the two leaders. This criticism received backlash from European leaders.
2. US officials met with Russian counterparts for peace talks without involving Ukraine, raising concerns in Kyiv.
3. A prisoner exchange between the US and Russia resulted in the release of individuals from both countries.
4. The Trump administration moved to end New York City’s congestion pricing plan, prompting a response from Governor Kathy Hochul.
5. Alleged victims of social media influencer Andrew Tate expressed concerns over US officials’ involvement in his case.
6. Border arrests decreased in January, and the acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement was reassigned.
7. Thousands of federal workers were fired as part of a cost-cutting initiative led by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency.
8. The administration attempted to rehire USDA officials involved in responding to bird flu outbreaks and nuclear workers who were previously terminated.
9. An executive order aimed at reducing the cost of IVF treatments was signed by Trump.
10. A naming dispute over the Gulf of Mexico led to restrictions imposed on the Associated Press by the White House.
11. The push to dismiss the case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams continued, with the Department of Justice defending its decision.