"Promises Made, Promises Kept": A Look At Trump's First Week Back in Office

Donald Trump has set a dramatic tone in his first week back in the White House, reshaping the U.S. political landscape in what supporters are calling a "golden age."

From mass pardons to sweeping executive orders, the 78-year-old former president has launched an aggressive agenda under the theme “Promises Made, Promises Kept.” His actions have sparked global reactions as he asserts his conservative vision for America’s future.

A Bold Start With Record Executive Orders

On his first day in office, Trump signed more executive orders than any president in U.S. history. Among them was a controversial pardon for 1,500 individuals involved in the 2021 Capitol riots. He also implemented long-promised policies, including an immigration crackdown, the elimination of birthright citizenship, and a rollback of diversity programs within the federal government.

Trump further issued orders recognizing only two genders in federal documentation and withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement and the World Health Organization, signaling a return to his nationalist policies.

His spokesperson declared, “President Trump has achieved more in 100 hours than most presidents do in 100 days.”

Trump on the Global Stage

Internationally, Trump made waves with bold statements at the Davos forum, appearing on a massive screen to issue warnings to other nations. He demanded countries manufacture goods in the U.S. or face tariffs and raised eyebrows with threats against the sovereignty of Greenland and Panama.

Political analysts suggest his moves are designed to reinforce the image of an “imperial presidency,” though critics argue that such an era ended decades ago.

Domestic Challenges and Unfulfilled Promises

Despite the flurry of activity, Trump faces challenges. Grocery prices remain high, contradicting his campaign pledge to reduce them, and the war in Ukraine continues, despite his promise to resolve it within 24 hours of taking office.

Critics also point to rising far-right activity following Trump’s controversial pardons. Just days after the Capitol riot pardons, the leader of a militia group toured the Capitol, and neo-Nazi groups participated in anti-abortion marches Trump addressed via video message.

“Trump would love to restore the so-called imperial presidency,” said Larry Sabato, Director of the University of Virginia's Center for Politics. “But he lacks the broad public support needed to sustain this image.”

Looking Ahead

While Trump’s allies, including Elon Musk, celebrate his return, legal challenges to his policies are already emerging. Whether his aggressive agenda will hold up against opposition remains uncertain.

As Trump continues to dominate headlines, the country—and the world—awaits the long-term impact of his bold first week.