Trump's First Month Breakdown
- Alden Guzman
- Mar 1
- 10 min read
The headlines are inflammatory, almost as much as Trump's own statements. In an attempt to make sense of everything that has happened in the last month, I asked ChatGPT to help me objectively summarize things, and for it to provide a left-leaning and right-leaning analysis of Trump's first month in office. While I did this for my own understanding, I think it is very helpful so I thought I'd share it here...
I've also included a section reviewing some of my conclusions regarding Trump's first month in office. If you want to skip straight to that, the link is here.
Since his inauguration on January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump has undertaken several significant actions:
Executive Orders:
Withdrawal from International Agreements: On his first day in office, Trump signed Executive Order 14162, titled "Putting America First In International Environmental Agreements," directing the immediate withdrawal of the United States from the Paris Agreement and other international climate commitments. This marked the second time the U.S. had withdrawn from the Paris Agreement under his leadership.
Renaming Landmarks: Executive Order 14172, "Restoring Names That Honor American Greatness," reinstated the name "Mount McKinley" for North America's highest peak, reversing the 2015 decision to call it Denali. The order also directed the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the "Gulf of America."
Digital Financial Technology: Through Executive Order 14178, "Strengthening American Leadership in Digital Financial Technology," Trump revoked previous directives related to digital assets, prohibited the establishment of a central bank digital currency, and established a group to propose a federal regulatory framework for digital assets within 180 days.
World Health Organization (WHO) Withdrawal: Executive Order 14155, "Withdrawing the United States from the World Health Organization," directed the U.S. withdrawal from the WHO, marking the second such action during Trump's presidencies.
Gender Definitions: Executive Order 14168, "Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government," mandated federal recognition of gender as an immutable male-female binary determined by biological sex assigned at conception. It also ceased funding for gender-affirming care and prohibited transgender individuals from using single-sex federally funded facilities congruent with their gender.
Foreign Policy Actions:
Ukraine Relations: In a recent encounter at the White House, President Trump had a contentious meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Trump accused Zelenskyy of disrespect and labeled him a dictator, leading to strained relations with European allies and concerns over the U.S. stance on Ukraine's sovereignty.
Venezuela Oil Exports: Trump reversed a previous administration's concessions by canceling a license that allowed U.S. oil company Chevron to produce and export oil from Venezuela. This decision was made due to unmet commitments by the Maduro regime and aims to shift longstanding U.S. foreign policies.
Domestic Policies:
Tariffs: An executive order imposed 25% tariffs on all products from Canada and Mexico, with a 10% tariff on products from China. Energy resources from Canada were subjected to a reduced 10% tariff. These measures were justified under national emergency powers to address issues like the fentanyl crisis and intellectual property concerns.
Deregulation: A new initiative requires that for every new rule or regulation issued, federal agencies must identify at least ten existing ones to repeal. This builds upon a previous directive that mandated a two-for-one repeal ratio, aiming to reduce regulatory burdens.
Immigration and Social Policies: Trump declared an immigration emergency on the southern border, rolled back LGBTQ+ rights, and pardoned approximately 1,500 individuals convicted in connection with the January 6 Capitol attack, including those convicted of seditious conspiracy.
These actions reflect President Trump's agenda to reshape both domestic and foreign policies during his second term.
Here’s a breakdown of the critical, left-leaning perspective on Trump’s major actions since taking office in 2025:
1. Withdrawal from International Agreements (Paris Climate Accord)
Left-leaning critique: Critics argue this move accelerates climate change and undermines global cooperation on environmental issues. Withdrawing from the Paris Agreement is seen as prioritizing short-term corporate profits, particularly for the fossil fuel industry, at the expense of future generations. Environmental groups warn it weakens U.S. global leadership and increases the likelihood of climate disasters disproportionately affecting marginalized communities.
2. Renaming Landmarks (Mount McKinley, Gulf of America)
Left-leaning critique: This is viewed as a symbolic, nationalist gesture meant to stoke culture war grievances. Renaming Denali (a name restored to honor Indigenous Alaskans) back to Mount McKinley is criticized as a rejection of Indigenous history and sovereignty. Critics argue it distracts from substantive policy issues while reinforcing a version of American history that erases non-white narratives.
3. Digital Financial Technology (Ban on Central Bank Digital Currency)
Left-leaning critique: Critics suggest this policy is rooted in right-wing paranoia about government overreach and prevents modernizing the financial system. A central bank digital currency (CBDC) could increase financial inclusion for underbanked populations, and banning it may disproportionately harm low-income communities. Some also argue this policy serves corporate interests by preserving the dominance of private banks over public financial infrastructure.
4. World Health Organization (WHO) Withdrawal
Left-leaning critique: Leaving the WHO is framed as an irresponsible, ideologically driven move that undermines global public health. Critics argue it weakens America’s ability to prevent and respond to pandemics while isolating the U.S. from vital international health data. It is also seen as a blow to poorer nations that rely on WHO support, which could worsen global health disparities.
5. Gender Definitions (Biological Sex Mandate, Anti-Trans Policies)
Left-leaning critique: This is viewed as a direct attack on LGBTQ+ rights, particularly targeting transgender and non-binary people. Critics argue that codifying gender as a biological binary erases the lived realities of trans people and denies them access to public spaces, healthcare, and legal recognition. Civil rights organizations frame it as part of a broader far-right agenda to roll back social progress and marginalize vulnerable communities.
6. Ukraine Relations (Hostility Toward Zelenskyy, Undermining Support)
Left-leaning critique: Critics interpret Trump's treatment of Zelenskyy as emboldening authoritarian regimes like Russia. His dismissiveness toward Ukraine is seen as undermining democratic allies while signaling that the U.S. will not stand up to foreign aggression. This shift also raises concerns about abandoning democratic values and leaving European security vulnerable to Russian expansionism.
7. Venezuela Oil Export Ban
Left-leaning critique: Critics argue that reimposing sanctions harms ordinary Venezuelans while doing little to dislodge the Maduro regime. They view the policy as prioritizing corporate and political interests over humanitarian concerns. Additionally, it disrupts global oil markets, which could increase energy costs for working-class Americans while fostering political instability in Latin America.
8. Tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China
Left-leaning critique: Progressives argue that blanket tariffs function as a tax on consumers, increasing prices on essential goods. They claim this policy disrupts international trade relationships and could spark retaliatory measures, hurting American workers and small businesses. Critics also point out that tariffs on Canada and Mexico damage relationships with key allies while failing to address the root causes of the fentanyl crisis or intellectual property issues.
9. Deregulation (10-for-1 Rule)
Left-leaning critique: This aggressive deregulation policy is seen as a giveaway to corporate interests at the expense of public safety and the environment. Critics argue it dismantles crucial safeguards on workplace protections, environmental regulations, and consumer rights. The move is framed as a continuation of trickle-down economics that benefits the wealthy while increasing risks for the general public.
10. Immigration and Social Policies (Southern Border Emergency, January 6 Pardons)
Left-leaning critique: Declaring an immigration emergency is viewed as fearmongering and a pretext for harsh, often inhumane immigration enforcement. Progressives argue it demonizes migrants and justifies policies like mass deportations and family separations. The blanket pardoning of January 6 rioters is seen as an authoritarian gesture that undermines the rule of law, effectively excusing political violence and encouraging future insurrections.
Overall, left-leaning critiques frame Trump’s second term as an acceleration of authoritarian tendencies, dismantling democratic norms and civil rights while advancing a nationalist, corporate-aligned agenda.
Here’s the supportive, right-leaning perspective on Trump’s major actions since taking office in 2025:
1. Withdrawal from International Agreements (Paris Climate Accord)
Right-leaning support: Supporters argue this move prioritizes American jobs and energy independence over globalist climate policies. They believe the Paris Agreement imposes unfair burdens on the U.S. economy while allowing major polluters like China and India to continue increasing emissions. By withdrawing, Trump is seen as defending national sovereignty and protecting industries like coal, oil, and manufacturing from overregulation.
2. Renaming Landmarks (Mount McKinley, Gulf of America)
Right-leaning support: This is viewed as a patriotic act that restores traditional American heritage and values. Supporters see the renaming as a rejection of "woke" historical revisionism and a reaffirmation of the nation’s cultural legacy. They argue that these changes reflect the will of everyday Americans who oppose identity politics and efforts to undermine U.S. history.
3. Digital Financial Technology (Ban on Central Bank Digital Currency)
Right-leaning support: Trump’s ban on a central bank digital currency (CBDC) is seen as a defense of personal privacy and financial freedom. Supporters fear a CBDC could give the government excessive control over personal finances and enable mass surveillance. They applaud Trump for blocking what they view as a dangerous step toward a cashless society and protecting Americans from potential financial coercion.
4. World Health Organization (WHO) Withdrawal
Right-leaning support: Supporters argue the WHO is an ineffective, politically biased organization that mishandled the COVID-19 pandemic and is too influenced by China. Withdrawing from the WHO is seen as a necessary step to free the U.S. from globalist control and redirect resources toward domestic health initiatives. This move is framed as putting American interests first while rejecting unelected international bureaucracies.
5. Gender Definitions (Biological Sex Mandate, Anti-Trans Policies)
Right-leaning support: Trump’s executive order is viewed as a common-sense measure to protect women’s spaces, sports, and rights. Supporters argue that recognizing gender as a biological reality prevents the erosion of female-only categories and ensures fairness in athletics. They see this policy as a rejection of radical gender ideology and a necessary defense of traditional values and scientific truth.
6. Ukraine Relations (Hostility Toward Zelenskyy, Undermining Support)
Right-leaning support: Supporters believe Trump is prioritizing "America First" by questioning endless financial and military aid to Ukraine. They argue the U.S. should not be responsible for funding foreign wars while domestic issues go unaddressed. Trump’s tough stance on Zelenskyy is framed as holding foreign leaders accountable and avoiding entanglement in what they see as an expensive, unnecessary conflict.
7. Venezuela Oil Export Ban
Right-leaning support: This decision is viewed as a reversal of Biden-era appeasement of authoritarian regimes. Supporters argue that lifting sanctions on Venezuela only enriches a socialist dictatorship and weakens U.S. energy independence. By reinstating the oil export ban, Trump is seen as taking a firm stand against tyrannical governments and prioritizing American energy production over foreign oil dependence.
8. Tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China
Right-leaning support: Trump’s tariffs are framed as a necessary tool to protect American industries, workers, and intellectual property. Supporters argue these tariffs discourage outsourcing, bring manufacturing jobs back to the U.S., and address unfair trade practices. Tariffs on Canada and Mexico are also presented as a strategy to curb the fentanyl crisis by pressuring these countries to tighten border controls.
9. Deregulation (10-for-1 Rule)
Right-leaning support: Supporters see this aggressive deregulation policy as a way to reduce government overreach and promote economic growth. They argue excessive regulation stifles innovation, burdens small businesses, and drives up consumer costs. The 10-for-1 rule is viewed as cutting red tape and empowering American entrepreneurship by limiting bureaucratic interference.
10. Immigration and Social Policies (Southern Border Emergency, January 6 Pardons)
Right-leaning support: Declaring an immigration emergency is framed as a necessary step to secure the border, combat drug trafficking, and address illegal immigration. Supporters believe Trump is protecting national security and upholding the rule of law. The pardons for January 6 defendants are seen as correcting what they view as political persecution and restoring justice for those who protested election irregularities.
Overall, right-leaning supporters frame Trump’s actions as a bold reaffirmation of national sovereignty, cultural values, and economic independence. They see his policies as a rejection of globalism, bureaucratic overreach, and progressive social engineering, while prioritizing the interests and freedoms of everyday Americans.
My Conclusions...
Trump is a very hot potatoe... without going into many specifics, I think we need to recognize that both critics and supporters of Trump have some things that they're right about, and some that they're wrong about. The truth here isn't black and white.
For example, I hate that Trump is threatening my country (Canada) with tariffs and jokes (is serious?) about Canada becoming the 51st state. I think this kind of behaviour between allies is inflammatory, unnecessary, and destructive to having a prosperous relationship.
While I do not support his traffis towards Canada and Mexico, among other issues, I think he is making progress on two very important things. Arguably the most important international issues of the last few years.
First, I support that fact that his administration, via an envoy he sent to the middle east before he was sworn in as president, has played a significant role is brokering a cease fire between Israel and Gaza (Source: The Guardian). This ceasefire should be heralded as a major step in the right direction.
Secondly, I support his desire to make peace in the Ukraine. Yes, that conversation between Zelenskyy and Trump in the oval office was crazy indeed. But, in my opinion Trump isn't wrong.... The U.S. has supplied 60% of military hardware to Ukraine, and 45% of financial aid compared to all EU countries combined (these are ChatGPT's ballpark estimates, specific sources are linked below). Without the U.S., the Ukraine would almost certainly be screwed. Zelenskyy doesn't hold the cards. And the Ukraine situation has been flirting with WW3, or atleast the potential use of nuclear weapons (Source: Bulletin of Atomic Scientists). All things considered, I support Trump's leverage on Zelenskyy and his talks with Putin to negotiate peace (the first US-Russia leadership talks since 2022). Part of that leverage is the fact that the Ukraine cannot become a part of the EU or NATO - the main reason that Russia invaded in the first place. The most likely outcome is that Russia will annex the regions it has "conquered", the U.S. will help rebuild Ukraine, and the U.S. will likely make informal security guarantees for Ukraine similar to the way that the U.S. informally guarantees Taiwan's security (Source about Taiwan: Council on Foreign Relations). Zelenskyy is asking for too much by trying to win the war outright or trying to have formal security guarantees, like joining NATO or the EU. The best that the U.S. can do is what it does for Taiwan. And the US has a vested interest in Taiwan (semiconductors), by the way! It doesn't with Ukraine. Still, we need to achknowledge that (obviously) Putin is an asshole, and that the war is not justified...But we're dealing with the realities of power politics. For my in-depth explanation of the War in Ukraine, the video is linked above.
So, as we can see, it's difficult to asses how good or bad Trump's presidency has been as a whole. But, instead of stating "I really don't understand how anyone could support Trump" or any variation of that, maybe we should strain ourselves to try to understand... There is something that we are likely missing, something that perhaps other people know that we don't. One place to start would be understanding why we are divided by politics in the first place. My explainer video is linked above.
Anyways, hopefully this post has been helpful and not just infuriating to read. Maybe I'm completely wrong about Trump, but at least this is the way I'm seeing things.
Thanks for reading,
Alden
Links to U.S. versus EU support to the Ukraine:
Comments