During the first year of his second term, President Donald Trump has pursued a range of initiatives and proposals across domestic and international policy. These efforts have seen varying degrees of progress, with some moving forward, others encountering obstacles, and some shifting in focus or being discontinued.
National Infrastructure and Security
- New Air Force One: U.S. defense officials accepted a Boeing 747 jet from Qatar for future use as Air Force One. The aircraft is undergoing retrofitting, with estimated costs ranging from $400 million to $1 billion. Completion is anticipated after January 2029.
- Reopening Alcatraz: President Trump proposed reopening Alcatraz prison to house immigration detainees. The Bureau of Prisons has toured the island and is developing design concepts, budgets, and logistical models for its potential use.
- White House Ballroom Construction: Construction of a new ballroom in the East Wing of the White House is underway following the demolition of the previous structure. The project, estimated at $400 million, is planned for funding by President Trump and private donors. The White House has released limited information regarding contributors, citing parts of the plans as "top secret."
- Golden Dome Missile Defense: President Trump aims for a $175 billion Golden Dome missile defense program, designed to feature ground- and space-based capabilities and be fully operational by January 2029. Defense officials have indicated that only initial capabilities are anticipated by that deadline.
Economic and Domestic Policy
- Mortgage Repayment Extensions: President Trump suggested extending traditional home mortgage repayment terms to 50 years to address housing affordability. The administration has also focused on efforts to reduce mortgage rates, including through the federal government's purchase of $200 billion in mortgage bonds.
- Tariff Revenue Allocation: President Trump proposed allocating tariff revenue to fund $2,000 payments for most Americans, address deficits, reduce national debt, support a nutrition program, aid farmers, and increase defense spending. U.S. tariff revenue from the previous year was insufficient to cover these proposed commitments. Earlier promises of rebate checks from federal government cuts did not materialize.
- Income Tax Elimination via Tariffs: President Trump has stated that steep import tariffs could potentially eliminate income tax. His administration has also promoted potential reductions in 2026 tax bills related to its tax and spending policies.
- "Gold Card" for Residency: President Trump announced a new "gold card" program designed to offer legal status and a path to U.S. citizenship. The program specifies a payment of $1 million for individuals and $2 million per foreign-born employee for corporations, in addition to an upfront screening fee. It is intended to replace EB-5 visas.
Constitutional and Governance Matters
- Third Term Discussions: President Trump has periodically discussed the possibility of a third presidential term. White House staff have acknowledged that constitutional limitations restrict a president to two terms.
- Autopen Use Investigation: The Department of Justice, under President Trump, initiated an investigation into alleged misuse of an autopen by the previous Biden administration. A GOP-controlled House committee released a report on the matter.
- Department of War Renaming: President Trump signed an executive order to rename the Department of Defense as the Department of War. This change requires an act of Congress for legal enactment.
- Kennedy Center Renaming: The board of trustees of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts voted to add President Trump's name to the venue. This action resulted in show cancellations and a lawsuit. A legal name change requires Congressional approval.
Foreign Policy and International Relations
- Greenland Acquisition: President Trump reiterated interest in acquiring Greenland, a Danish territory, and appointed Governor Jeff Landry as a special U.S. envoy. Denmark has stated the island is not for sale and cited potential geopolitical implications due to its NATO alliance.
- Canada Acquisition: Prior to his second term, President Trump proposed making Canada a U.S. state. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney rejected the idea.
- Panama Canal Control: President Trump suggested the U.S. might retake control of the Panama Canal, citing concerns about Chinese influence. The administration subsequently pressured China to divest its port interests in Panama, leading to Panama's withdrawal from China's Belt and Road program and enhanced security coordination with the U.S.
- Gaza Development: Following the Israel-Hamas conflict, President Trump suggested the U.S. would oversee the development of Gaza. Arab nations rejected the idea.
- Cuba's Stability: President Trump commented on Cuba's position following the removal of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, an ally, suggesting Cuba was "ready to fall" or should "make a deal" independently.
- International Intervention Remarks: President Trump made statements regarding international affairs, including alleging drug production by Colombian President Gustavo Petro and suggesting U.S. intervention, a stance he later modified after a phone call. He also stated that Mexico is governed by drug cartels and issued warnings to Iran concerning severe consequences if anti-government protests escalated with killings, though these warnings later appeared to be de-escalated.
Other Initiatives
- Fort Knox Gold Reserves: President Trump suggested Elon Musk would inspect Fort Knox to verify U.S. gold reserves. This initiative did not proceed, and Mr. Musk is no longer affiliated with the administration.
- NFL Kickoff Rule: President Trump commented on the NFL's dynamic kickoff rule, indicating he viewed it as "demeaning" and "unromantic," while acknowledging that a rule change was unlikely.
- Pete Rose Reinstatement and Hall of Fame: President Trump reportedly discussed Pete Rose's reinstatement with MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred. He has since advocated for Mr. Rose's induction into the Hall of Fame, a decision that is determined by the Hall’s Classic Baseball Committee.
- Rush Hour 4 Production: The fourth installment of the "Rush Hour" film series is slated for distribution by Paramount. Reports indicate this follows a request from President Trump to one of the studio's co-owners.