President Donald Trump kept up his fast-paced agenda last week, signing executive orders, hosting foreign leaders, and implementing tariffs that sent global markets scrambling. While much of the week focused on foreign policy, he began with an all-American tradition.
Trump attended the Super Bowl in New Orleans—the first sitting president to do so—where he watched the Philadelphia Eagles defeat the Kansas City Chiefs. When shown on the stadium’s screens, he was cheered by football fans.
Here’s what else happened during Trump’s fourth week in office.
Gulf of America
On his way to the game, while flying over the Gulf of America, Trump signed a proclamation declaring Sunday as Gulf of America Day.
Additionally, the White House banned the Associated Press from the Oval Office and Air Force One after the outlet refused to use the term “Gulf of America.”
Tariffs
Trump imposed a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports, calling it “a big deal, the beginning of making America rich again.” Stocks for steel and aluminum companies surged in response.
He also directed a review of trade policies to ensure reciprocal tariffs, meaning the U.S. would impose the same taxes on imports as other nations impose on American goods. “Very simply, if they charge us, we charge them,” Trump said.
“The United States is one of the most open economies in the world, yet our trading partners keep their markets closed to our exports. This lack of reciprocity is unfair and contributes to our large and persistent annual trade deficit,” the White House stated.
Foreign Leaders
Trump engaged in multiple diplomatic discussions this week.
- He had a “lengthy phone call” with Russian President Vladimir Putin, discussing Ukraine and potential negotiations to end the war. “GREAT TALKS WITH RUSSIA AND UKRAINE YESTERDAY. GOOD POSSIBILITY OF ENDING THAT HORRIBLE, VERY BLOODY WAR!!!” Trump posted on Truth Social.
- He also spoke with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese about defense, trade, investment, and concerns regarding China.
- On Tuesday, Trump met with King Abdullah II of Jordan at the White House to discuss Gaza.
- On Thursday, he hosted India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, announcing an expanded military and trade partnership. The U.S. will increase military sales to India by “many billions” of dollars while collaborating on semiconductors and AI. “Make India Great Again,” Modi said.
Trump also froze enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), arguing that the anti-bribery law disadvantages American businesses. “It sounds good on paper but in practicality, it’s a disaster,” he said.
Additionally, he signed an order calling for reforms in the Foreign Service, aiming to ensure alignment with his foreign policy objectives.
Government Efficiency Efforts
Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) continued its work alongside Trump. They met in the Oval Office to discuss ongoing efforts to eliminate government waste.
- The administration ordered the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to halt most of its work and cut its funding, effectively shutting it down.
- Trump signed an order eliminating the Federal Executive Institute, which provided leadership training to federal employees.
- Another executive order required agencies to hire only one new employee for every four that leave, aiming to shrink the federal workforce. Tens of thousands of federal employees have already departed, with more expected to follow.
Hostage Releases
Trump secured the release of multiple American citizens:
- Marc Fogel, detained in Russia for possessing medical marijuana, was freed.
- Another American held hostage in Belarus was also released.
Additional Executive Actions
- Trump ended the federal use of paper straws, calling efforts to ban plastic straws “irrational.”
- He continued his overhaul of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, replacing board members and becoming chairman. He previously criticized the center for hosting “drag shows specifically targeting our youth.”
- The president established the Make America Healthy Commission, led by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., now confirmed as Secretary of Health and Human Services. The commission will focus on addressing childhood chronic diseases.
- Trump also signed an executive order cutting federal funding from schools that continue to enforce COVID vaccine mandates.
- Deportations continued, including sending migrants from Africa and Asia to Panama.
Legal Challenges
Some of Trump’s executive orders faced legal pushback, including:
- A judge blocked his freeze on foreign aid.
- Another judge halted his ban on child sex-change procedures.
The administration is expected to appeal these rulings.
Vice President, Cabinet, and First Lady
- Vice President JD Vance visited Paris, meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron and EU officials. He also spoke at the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit, emphasizing U.S. leadership in AI.
- Tulsi Gabbard was confirmed as Director of National Intelligence.
- Brooke Rollins was confirmed as Secretary of Agriculture, and Kash Patel’s nomination as FBI Director advanced in the Senate.
- First Lady Melania Trump reopened the White House for public tours.
That wraps up Trump’s fourth week in office.
