Trump 2.0: A Closer Look at His Controversial Moves

1. Reciprocal Tariffs & “Liberation Day” (April 2025)

On April 2, 2025, President Trump unveiled a sweeping tariff regime—nicknamed “Liberation Day”—imposing a 10% baseline tariff on virtually all imports, and steeper country-specific tariffs of up to 30% on Chinese goods, 20% on Vietnam, 50% on India, 19% on Thailand. Certain goods—like autos, steel, pharmaceuticals, and semiconductors—were exempted.
These tariffs went into effect on April 5 (baseline) and April 9 (reciprocal). The policy relies on emergency powers under the IEEPA and NEA. Amid legal fallout, the U.S. Court of International Trade blocked these tariffs in May, ruling the national‑emergency justification improper.

2. Massive Purge of Inspectors General (Jan 2025)

On January 24, Trump carried out an abrupt dismissal of at least 17 federal inspectors general, stripping oversight across key agencies. Critics decried the move as a “Friday night purge” and a threat to government accountability.

Read ALSO: Trump’s “I Don’t Know Anything” Moment Puts Spotlight on U.S.–Russia Trade

3. Executive Order Reasserts Hyde Amendment (Jan 2025)

On January 24, Executive Order 14182 reaffirmed the Hyde Amendment, rescinding Biden-era directives that expanded federal funding for reproductive services—including abortion.

4. DEI Programs Ban & Legal Pushback (Jan–Feb 2025)

Between January 20–21, Trump issued executive orders to terminate all federal DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) programs, dismantling offices and terminating employees involved.
In response, civil rights groups filed National Urban League v. Trump on February 19, challenging these orders as violations of free speech and due process.

Why It Matters

From economic shockwaves to institutional dismantling, Trump’s second term has unleashed sweeping changes—upending international trade norms, endangering internal checks and balances, and igniting urgent legal, political, and economic consequences.

Let me know if you’d like a summary formatted for social media, a timeline chart, or a breakdown by impact sectors (legal, economic, civic).