By July 2025, former President Donald Trump—now serving his second term in office—has reasserted himself as one of the most powerful and controversial figures in global politics. His return to the White House has been marked by sweeping executive actions, dramatic legal entanglements, aggressive international posturing, and cultural theatrics, solidifying his unique brand of leadership. Below is a comprehensive look at the key events surrounding Trump this year.

🔹 Legal Showdowns: Immunity, Indictments & Pardons

Trump began his second term under the heavy cloud of ongoing legal challenges. Despite being a sitting president, he remains at the centre of numerous criminal and civil proceedings.

• Hush Money Conviction Appeal: Trump formally appealed his conviction in the New York case involving hush money payments to Stormy Daniels. His legal team is arguing for immunity and questioning the fairness of the trial.
• Federal Investigations on Hold: Cases involving classified documents and January 6 are largely stalled, with speculation that Trump may pardon himself or dismiss Special Counsel Jack Smith.
• Georgia Election Interference: The case in Georgia has slowed due to disputes over the prosecutor’s conduct. No trial date is expected soon.
• Mass Pardons in January: In a bold and polarising move, Trump issued sweeping pardons and commutations for several figures involved in the Capitol riots, including members of extremist groups. Critics say this undermines the rule of law.

 

🔹 Domestic Policy: Hardline Immigration and Partisan Loyalty

Birthright Citizenship Executive Order Blocked

In one of the most significant legal defeats of the year, Trump’s executive order to end automatic citizenship for children born to undocumented immigrants was halted by a federal judge. The court ruled the policy would likely violate the 14th Amendment.

Immigration Crackdown Resumes

Trump has revived efforts to conduct large-scale deportations and mass immigration raids. Civil rights organisations, including the ACLU, have launched legal challenges.

GOP Consolidation

Trump’s influence over the Republican Party remains unshaken. In Texas, he endorsed nearly every GOP state lawmaker to back Governor Greg Abbott’s school voucher initiative—an unprecedented display of partisan loyalty enforcement by a sitting president.

🔹 Foreign Policy: Tariffs, the Middle East & Business First

Trump’s foreign policy has veered toward transactionalism, marked by aggressive trade tactics and Middle Eastern diplomacy.

• Trade War Revival: Trump authorised tariff increases of up to 70% on imports from over a dozen countries. Unlike previous administrations, he bypassed negotiations and relied on executive notifications.
• Middle East Tour: In May, Trump visited Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, where he sought up to $4 trillion in U.S. investments and discussed softening sanctions on Syria—raising concerns about strategic alliances and transparency.

🔹 NASA Shake-up and Feud with Elon Musk

In a move that raised eyebrows, Trump replaced his initial NASA chief nominee with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy—a known critic of Elon Musk. The decision furthered a very public fallout between Trump and Musk, who has since distanced himself politically, going so far as to launch a new political group challenging the duopoly of Democrats and Republicans.

🔹 Pop Culture & Public Spectacle

Perhaps one of the most bizarre headlines of the year: Trump proposed hosting a UFC title match on the White House lawn as part of America’s 250th Independence Day celebration. UFC President Dana White publicly backed the idea, which is still under review for logistical and security concerns.

🔹 Analysis: What Trump’s 2025 Looks Like

Trump’s presidency in 2025 is a continuation—and intensification—of the themes that defined his first term: confrontation, loyalty, nationalism, and disruption. From halting birthright citizenship to stalling legal challenges through executive power, Trump is reasserting executive authority in ways that deeply divide the nation.

His critics argue that he’s undermining democratic norms and weaponising the justice system. His supporters claim he is restoring strength and sovereignty to the U.S. On the global stage, Trump’s assertiveness in trade and diplomacy reflects a go-it-alone strategy that favours deals over alliances.