The trade war triggered by the American president, practically with the entire world, has destroyed America’s prestige, isolated it, and disrupted the economic balance. Thus, the political influence of Donald Trump is collapsing, and the levers he has cannot impose solutions regarding the relationship with China or bring about a ceasefire in Ukraine.
The question people around the world are asking is what prompted the American president to act so disorderly, without a clear strategy and objectives.
The answer is simple and complicated at the same time. Donald Trump has behaved according to his personality, one that makes impulsive decisions. The U.S. leader does not read reports, does not listen to his advisors, fostering more of a competition among members of his cabinet, leading to tensions and scandals, not solutions.
On the other hand, Trump has adhered to his political agenda presented during the campaign, although since then political commentators and experts have said that it would jeopardize the stability of the U.S. and the entire world.
Below, we present ten controversial decisions made by Donald Trump that have caused internal tensions, protests, political reactions, and lawsuits.
It should be noted that some of these decisions have the support of a majority of Republican voters.
1. Massive increases in tariffs cause chaos in global trade
In April 2025, Trump introduced massive taxes on imports, announcing "Liberation Day," imposing a minimum customs duty of 10% on all goods arriving in the U.S.
For China, the tariffs reach up to 145%.
These measures have triggered a global trade war, causing losses of over 6 trillion dollars in financial markets, escalating inflation, and fears of triggering an economic recession.
Trump backtracked, exempting a large portion of imported electronic products from China from huge taxes, under pressure from technology billionaires threatened by huge financial losses.
American companies that have sold in China, and have had huge success, will no longer be able to do so due to Chinese retaliations...
Sean Stein, President of the U.S.-China Business Council, for the New York Times
2. Stock market crash and economic instability
Brutal announcements regarding tax increases and trade tensions led to a significant stock market crash.
The S&P 500 index dropped by over 10%, and the likelihood of a recession increased to 45%, suggesting a danger for investors.
3. Massive reduction in scientific research funding
The administration drastically reduced funding for scientific research, including mass layoffs in federal agencies. Furthermore, critical data in the health and environmental fields have been eliminated, blocking public access to them, undermining trust in science.
4. Aggressive immigration policies and legal controversies
The Trump administration reinstated the "Remain in Mexico" policy, attempted to eliminate birthright citizenship, and used the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 for deportations without judicial decision. These actions have been challenged in court and have sparked criticisms regarding human rights violations.
On the other hand, the only political action of Donald Trump still supported by a majority of American citizens is in the immigration domain.
Trump officials made a show of sending hundreds of detainees to a huge prison in El Salvador and to the Guantánamo Bay naval base in Cuba, but they represent only a small fraction of those illegally in the country.Three officials argue that U.S. representatives are still hindered by financial and legal obstacles, and the nearly constant criticism from the White House about the small number of deportations has dampened the morale of immigration officers, who work hard but are increasingly skeptical that they can achieve such ambitious goals.
Maria Sacchetti, Jacob Bogage, Washington Post journalists
5. Undermining federal oversight and accountability in the use of public funds
The dismissal of 17 independent inspectors general and other control officials has weakened internal checks in the federal government.
Some of these dismissals may violate federal law and have triggered a series of lawsuits.
6. Elimination of rights of sexual minorities and diversity initiatives
One of the executive orders issued by Donald Trump reduced protections for gay individuals, including banning transgender individuals from serving in the military and restricting the medical care of these individuals. Additionally, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs were eliminated from federal agencies.
Here, Donald Trump's decisions are supported by the majority of his voters, but have caused tensions in the military, universities, and federal agencies.
7. Reversal of climate policies
Trump declared a "national energy emergency," repealed environmental regulations, and withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Agreement. These actions have been criticized for favoring the fossil fuel industry over environmental protection.
8. Limiting political dissent and civil liberties
The administration has been accused of targeting political opponents and protesters, including deporting activists and implementing restrictive policies on freedom of speech. These measures have raised concerns about the erosion of democratic processes.
It is surprising how much Trumpists hate what created the greatness of the United States: immigration, free trade, medical and scientific research, the rule of law, enlightened patriotism, the desire and ability to correct past injustices
Bill Kristol, TheBulwark.com
9. Disruption of higher education and research institutions
Reduced federal funding and imposition of restrictive policies have affected universities and research institutions.
Programs related to diversity, climate research, and public health have been affected, jeopardizing academic freedom.
10. Straining international relations and alliances
Unilateral trade policies and withdrawal from international agreements have strained relations with traditional U.S. allies. The European Union, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom have expressed concerns about the solidity of their relationship with the U.S. as a strategic partner.
Note. The sources used for listing the controversial decisions of the Trump administration were: The Economist, cohen.house.gov, NPR.org, Chathamhouse.org, The New Yorker, The Guardian, Whitehouse.gov, Brokings.edu, Wikipedia, civilrights.com;
Elections for the House of Representatives and a portion of the Senate will take place in November 2026, and even though there are signs that the political majority may change, there is still a long time until then. The distrust in the U.S., fueled by Donald Trump's decisions, will have significant effects both domestically and internationally, with the current chaotic situation expected to continue, according to several political leaders and analysts.