Donald Trump’s First Hours Back in Office Spark Controversy and Criticism
On January 20, 2025, Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States, reclaiming the Oval Office for a second term after his initial presidency ended in 2021. His inauguration in Washington, D.C., drew fervent supporters as Trump delivered a speech centered on his vision to “restore American greatness.”
However, within hours of taking office, several of his decisions and remarks quickly became the subject of both national and international scrutiny.
A Flurry of Executive Orders
Wasting no time, President Trump signed numerous executive orders immediately following his inauguration. Among these were directives aimed at undoing key policies of the previous administration. One of the most controversial actions was the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, the international accord designed to combat climate change.
This reversal of President Biden’s environmental policies drew sharp criticism from environmentalists and global leaders, who warned it could undermine collective efforts to address the climate crisis.
In addition, Trump announced the country’s withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO), citing what he called “mismanagement and inefficiency” within the global health body. Speaking to an enthusiastic crowd at a Washington, D.C., sports arena, Trump declared his intention to roll back “80 destructive and radical executive actions” enacted by the prior administration.
“We are taking our country back,” Trump proclaimed. “We’ll no longer bow to globalist agendas. America first—always.”
Declaring National Emergencies
Trump also declared two national emergencies on his first day in office. The first focused on achieving energy independence, with Trump promising to increase domestic oil production and expand the country’s strategic petroleum reserves. He framed this move as essential for economic recovery, vowing that U.S. energy exports would help reclaim “America’s wealth.”
“This is about America reclaiming its wealth,” Trump said. “The liquid gold beneath our feet will power our nation to prosperity once more.”
The second national emergency targeted illegal immigration at the southern border. Trump announced plans to deploy additional troops to assist border agents and restrict refugee and asylum programs, reigniting debates over immigration reform. Critics labeled these measures as heavy-handed and likely to exacerbate humanitarian issues at the border.
Foreign Policy Missteps
Trump’s remarks on international relations during his first day back in office made headlines for all the wrong reasons. At a press conference, Trump criticized NATO countries for failing to meet the required defense spending target of 2% of GDP. However, he erroneously included Spain in his critique, stating, “Spain is very low. They’re a BRICS nation. Do you know what a BRICS nation is? You’ll figure it out.”
This statement caused immediate confusion, as Spain is not a member of BRICS—a coalition of emerging economies that includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, along with recent additions such as Iran and the UAE. The mischaracterization highlighted a significant misunderstanding of international alliances and drew widespread criticism.
Response from Spain
The Spanish government was quick to address the error. Pilar Alegría, a spokesperson for Spain, issued a statement correcting Trump’s remarks. “I don’t know if the statement made by President Trump was the result of a mix-up or not, but I can confirm that Spain is not part of BRICS,” Alegría said, maintaining a diplomatic tone despite the criticism.
Adding to the tension, Trump suggested imposing a 100% tariff on Spanish imports, a move that could significantly impact U.S.-Spain trade relations. If implemented, such tariffs would disrupt long-standing economic ties and affect numerous industries that rely on transatlantic commerce.
Criticism and Praise
Trump’s early actions and statements sparked mixed reactions domestically and internationally. Critics argued that his comments and policy decisions reflected a lack of understanding of global alliances and could damage diplomatic relationships. Dr. Elena Martinez, a specialist in U.S.-European relations, noted, “This kind of rhetoric undermines the trust and cooperation the United States has built with its allies over decades. Mischaracterizing nations like Spain sends a troubling signal to the international community.”
Supporters, however, praised Trump’s decisive leadership and willingness to challenge established norms. Many viewed his moves as necessary corrections to what they saw as years of U.S. overreach in global institutions and foreign affairs.
The Road Ahead
Donald Trump’s first hours back in office set the tone for a presidency poised to redefine U.S. domestic and foreign policy once again. His controversial decisions, coupled with early missteps, have highlighted the polarizing nature of his leadership style. While his assertiveness resonates with his base, it has also reignited concerns about the challenges his administration may face on the global stage.
As Trump embarks on his second term, the world will be watching closely to see how he navigates the complexities of governance and diplomacy. His early missteps serve as a reminder that even seasoned leaders must tread carefully in the high-stakes realm of global politics. Whether Trump’s bold actions will solidify his vision for America or further deepen divisions remains to be seen.
