It has been exactly one month since February 19, the day businessman turned politician turned president Donald Trump clawed his way back into the White House. A blessing for him, perhaps. But for the world? A looming catastrophe.
In just 30 days, Trump has turned global diplomacy into a high stakes poker game, one where he holds the deck, shuffles the rules, and discards allies at will. If this is only the beginning, what fresh havoc awaits over the next 43 months? Does America’s dominance truly require Trump? Or is his return the very thing that threatens to dismantle it?
America may have re-elected Trump, but Americans themselves seem strangely indifferent. That’s the thing about politics, once power is secured, the consequences ripple far beyond one nation’s borders. Whether they like it or not, the world is strapped in for another four years of Trump’s iron fisted rule. And in just one month, he has made it abundantly clear: diplomacy, global stability, and even basic human decency are mere afterthoughts in his pursuit of absolute control.
A month of Mayhem: Trump’s key moves
The tariff turmoil: Playing favorites, fueling uncertainty
On February 1, Trump imposed tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China. India, for now, was spared a temporary relief, but for how long? With Trump, unpredictability is the only certainty. But even in his aggression, there was hesitation. He announced a 30-day delay for Mexico and Canada, exposing his indecisiveness.
China, however, was given no such courtesy. In a battle of egos, Trump and Xi Jinping both have their sights set on global dominance. But while China quietly builds its empire through trade, loans, and the Belt and Road Initiative, Trump prefers economic shock and awe tactics. The real question: who will blink first?
Cutting lifelines: The callous halt of aid to South Africa
One of Trump’s earliest moves was slashing economic aid to South Africa, funds critical to AIDS and Ebola vaccine research. The Brilliant Project, which held the promise of eradicating AIDS, was left gasping for alternative funding. Trump’s rationale? “America First.” But at what cost?
This wasn’t just an economic decision, it was a death sentence for millions who depended on those vaccines. The irony? Trump loves boasting about “saving lives”, as long as those lives fit his definition of worthy.
The gutting of USAID: Annihilating America’s soft power
Trump didn’t just cut aid, he decimated the entire USAID agency. Over 10,000 employees? Fired. The agency’s global economic programs? Terminated. The website? A digital graveyard.
His justification? Elon Musk, Trump’s tech-tycoon cheerleader, called USAID a “criminal organisation.” The absurdity is glaring: for decades, USAID was a tool of American influence, shaping economies and politics worldwide. Now, it’s branded as corrupt simply because Trump willed it so. What does that say about the America that created it?
Ukraine Betrayed: The double-cross of the century
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy anticipated Trump’s return with trepidation, hoping for financial aid and military support against Russia. What he got instead were two brutal betrayals.
First, Trump refused direct aid, instead telling European nations to buy American weapons and donate them to Ukraine. A genius move, for American defense contractors. A crushing blow, for Ukraine.
Then came the second betrayal. Trump, ever the dealmaker, hinted at “helping” Ukraine in exchange for economic favors. In simpler terms: pay up, or fend for yourself. Zelenskyy resisted. But for how long?
Meanwhile, Russia saw its golden opportunity. With Trump’s indifference evident, Putin put forth demands: Ukraine must permanently abandon NATO ambitions. In 2008, NATO promised Ukraine future membership. Now, with Trump in charge, that promise is on life support.
War on the international criminal court: No justice, No peace
On February 6, Trump wielded his power against the International Criminal Court (ICC). He didn’t just withdraw funding, he banned ICC officials (and their families) from entering the U.S.
The message was clear: no international body has the right to hold America accountable. What’s more alarming? The ICC and the International Court of Justice (ICJ) are different entities, the ICJ is UN-controlled, the ICC more independent. Trump has no use for either. Justice, in his world, is a privilege reserved for the powerful.
The corruption greenlight: Bribery gets a free pass
Trump has always thrived in the gray areas of business. Now, he’s dragging America into them. By loosening regulations on foreign businessmen bribing for trade deals, he’s paved the way for a new era of unchecked corruption.
One of the rumored beneficiaries? India’s Gautam Adani. But the real issue isn’t about one businessman. It’s about America erasing a 48 year old anti corruption law, all because Trump sees transparency as a liability.
The Inhumane Deportation Blitz: A global scandal
In one of his most ruthless acts, Trump ramped up the mass deportation of illegal immigrants. Special flights carried out round after round of removals, Indians included. The world watched in shock. But could anyone stop him?
Had another country done the same, especially with such brute force, America and its allies would have howled in outrage. But when it’s Trump, the rules don’t apply.
The man who bows to no one
Trump’s first month back in office has made one thing abundantly clear: he answers to no one. Allies? Optional. Treaties? Disposable. Morality? Negotiable.
His slogan, “Make America Great Again,” is a tacit admission that America has lost its greatness. But if Trump’s version of greatness is isolationism, betrayal, and brute-force diplomacy, should the world really fear its absence?
If he succeeds, history will remember him as the leader who reshaped America’s global standing. If he fails, he may be remembered as the man who accelerated its decline.
Either way, the countdown to 2029 has begun. And the world is watching.
