
The early days of Donald Trump’s second presidency have been nothing short of chaotic, with a whirlwind of executive orders (EOs) setting a controversial tone. Despite his campaign promises that Project 2025 would not form the core of his agenda, the reality seems to be veering dangerously close to it, as Trump enacts sweeping measures that many critics label as authoritarian. These EOs include attacks on civil rights, the erasure of certain minority groups, and rolling back protections for vulnerable populations.
One of his first major moves was issuing pardons for 1,500 individuals involved in the January 6th insurrection. Among them was the infamous “Qanon Shaman,” Jacob Chansley, whose bizarre antics during the Capitol riot made him a symbol of the chaos. His pardon has drawn outrage, particularly as he immediately took to social media with inflammatory statements, further underlining his disregard for any sense of accountability.
Meanwhile, Trump’s dismissive attitude toward FEMA and his efforts to limit federal aid to states like California, already struggling with devastating wildfires, reveal a deeper intention to push states into handling their own crises. His rhetoric about leaving California to “fend for itself” unless the state meets his demands on water management is both politically charged and reckless, considering the scale of the disaster at hand.
Amid these darker moves, there are moments of stark contrast. Former Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama’s ongoing friendship has become a rare point of warmth in a deeply polarized political landscape. Their camaraderie, especially in moments like Trump’s inauguration, offers a semblance of bipartisan understanding in contrast to the sharp divisions Trump seems intent on amplifying.
Trump’s actions so far suggest a determined path toward consolidating power, with little regard for the divisive consequences or the well-being of the country. His disregard for established norms and the precedents set by previous administrations signals that the next few months could be filled with even more dramatic and polarizing moves.