Second presidency of Donald Trump facts for kids
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Quick facts for kids
Second presidency of Donald Trump
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| January 20, 2025 – present | |
| JD Vance | |
| Cabinet | Full list |
| Party | Republican |
| Election | 2024 |
| Seat | White House |
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← Joe Biden •
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Donald Trump began his second term as the President of the United States on January 20, 2025. He is the 47th president and a member of the Republican Party. Trump previously served as the 45th president from 2017 to 2021. He won the 2024 election against Democratic candidate Kamala Harris. Trump is the second former U.S. president to return to office after a break.
Contents
- Key Moments of the Presidency
- How the Government is Run
- Money Matters and Trade
- Policies at Home
- International Relations
- Ethical Concerns
- Elections During the Second Trump Presidency
- See also
Key Moments of the Presidency
The 2024 Election
Donald Trump announced his plan to run for president again on November 15, 2022. He won the Republican Party's nomination in March 2024. Trump chose Senator JD Vance as his running mate. They were officially nominated at the 2024 Republican National Convention. On July 13, 2024, there was an incident where someone tried to harm Trump during a campaign event. He was not seriously hurt.
On November 6, 2024, Trump was announced as the winner of the presidential election. He received 312 electoral votes and 49.8% of the popular vote. Kamala Harris received 226 electoral votes and 48.3% of the popular vote. When he took office, Trump became the second president in U.S. history to serve terms that were not back-to-back. This had not happened since Grover Cleveland in 1893. Republicans also gained control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate in the concurrent elections.
Starting the Presidency
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The time between Trump's election victory and his inauguration is called the transition period. During this time, he announced his choices for his cabinet and other government roles. Trump was sworn in as president on January 20, 2025, by Chief Justice John Roberts. The ceremony took place inside the Capitol Rotunda. In his first weeks, some of Trump's actions were questioned for possibly going against federal laws or the Constitution.
First 100 Days in Office
In his first hundred days, President Trump signed 143 executive orders. This was more than any other president in this period. He also signed many presidential memorandums and proclamations. These actions received mixed reactions from both Republicans and Democrats. Some executive orders tested the limits of the president's power and faced immediate legal challenges. Key areas Trump focused on included immigration changes, deportations, applying tariffs, cutting federal spending, reducing the number of federal workers, and increasing presidential authority. He also aimed for a foreign policy that focused less on getting involved in other countries' problems.
How the Government is Run
Cabinet and Advisors
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President Trump's choices for his cabinet were often described as valuing personal loyalty. Many news outlets noted that his administration was one of the wealthiest in modern history. It included many billionaires in government positions.
The White House also screened job applicants for their support of the president's plans. On his first day, Trump signed an order to restore hiring based on merit and dedication to the Constitution. However, some federal workers were asked to show their loyalty. This included providing examples of how they supported his 2024 campaign.
Executive Orders
President Trump signed 26 executive orders on his first day, more than any recent president. Many of these orders were similar to ideas from Project 2025, a plan to reshape the federal government. Many of Trump's executive orders have been challenged in court. These orders affected federal funding, employee status, immigration, and government programs.
Money Matters and Trade
Economic Growth
In the first part of 2025, the economy saw a small decrease in growth. This was partly because businesses bought foreign goods before new U.S. tariffs began. Later in the year, economic growth increased, reaching its fastest rate in two years.
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act
This law was a main part of the Trump administration's economic plan. It included many rules, such as extending tax rates from 2017 and changing rules for some benefits. It also increased spending on defense and border security. Critics said the law might limit health insurance and add to the national debt.
Government Shutdown in 2025
The government faced a shutdown from October 1 to November 12, 2025. This happened because the Senate could not agree on how to fund non-essential services. Disagreements included funding for the Affordable Care Act and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Many states sued the administration to continue SNAP funding. The shutdown ended when Congress passed a compromise bill, which President Trump signed into law.
Trade and Tariffs
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President Trump strongly supported using tariffs, which are taxes on imported goods. Early in his presidency, he placed tariffs on goods from countries like China, Mexico, and Canada. This led to other countries adding their own tariffs in return. On April 2, 2025, Trump announced a 10% tax on all imported goods, but then paused it for 90 days. During this time, the administration aimed to make trade deals.
The tariffs affected businesses by increasing costs and led to some changes in consumer prices. In February 2026, the Supreme Court ruled that the president could not use a certain law to impose tariffs. This decision struck down many tariffs. The U.S. also made trade agreements with China and the European Union.
Housing Affordability
In January 2026, Trump suggested several ideas to make housing more affordable. These included stopping large companies from buying single-family homes and making it easier for people to get mortgages. He also ordered government agencies to buy mortgage debt to lower interest rates.
Policies at Home
Policies Affecting LGBTQ+ People
The Trump administration introduced policies that changed how the government recognized transgender people and affected their legal protections. These policies led to many discussions and legal challenges. They also influenced how schools and other institutions addressed gender identity.
Environment and Energy
Soon after taking office, Trump signed an executive order to withdraw the U.S. from the 2015 Paris Agreement. He also issued an order to boost American energy production. His administration removed mentions of climate change from many government websites. In April, Trump dismissed scientists who prepare national climate assessments. The website for climate research was also taken down. In February 2026, the EPA formally removed a finding that greenhouse gases threaten public health.
The administration also aimed to greatly increase the use of nuclear power in the U.S. by 2050. This was seen as important for powering data centers and competing in AI development.
Federal Forces in U.S. Cities
The Trump administration deployed federal forces to several U.S. cities. In June 2025, federal troops were sent to Los Angeles during protests against immigration raids. In August, 2,000 National Guard soldiers were deployed to Washington, D.C. to address crime. Troops were also sent to Memphis, Tennessee, in September. Trump also spoke about sending forces to Chicago, which led to protests and legal challenges. In Minneapolis, federal agents were involved in incidents that led to public outcry and changes in policy, including the use of body cameras. The cost of these deployments in 2025 was estimated at $496 million.
Health Policy
The Trump administration's health agenda promoted ideas that led to a return of some diseases like whooping cough and measles. In November, Trump nominated Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Health and Human Services Secretary. This was controversial because of Kennedy's past statements about vaccines.
The administration made changes at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Several CDC websites and data related to health topics became unavailable. Around 1,300 CDC employees were laid off, and some important health programs were cut. In June 2025, Kennedy fired all members of the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices. He said the committee was not independent enough. In December 2025, recommendations for newborn Hepatitis B vaccination were changed. In February 2026, several states sued the administration over changes to childhood vaccination schedules.
In September 2025, Trump and other officials spoke about combating autism. They warned against using a common pain reliever during pregnancy, even though medical experts found no link between it and autism. They also approved a chemotherapy drug to help with autism symptoms, based on limited evidence.
The administration also worked on lowering prescription drug prices. In December 2025, a deal was announced with pharmaceutical companies to offer lower prices for state Medicaid programs.
Immigration
President Trump stated his intention to bring back immigration policies from his first presidency. These included stricter border security and increased deportations. He appointed Tom Homan as "border czar."
After becoming president, the Trump administration ended services for the CBP One app and reinstated a national emergency at the southern border. It also increased deportation powers for several agencies. Trump signed an executive order attempting to end birthright citizenship for children of unauthorized immigrants. This order faced many lawsuits and was temporarily blocked by federal judges.
In January 2025, Trump ended a policy that prevented immigration arrests in sensitive places like courthouses and schools. He also signed the Laken Riley Act into law. The administration announced plans to expand a migrant detention center in Guantanamo Bay. By December 2025, the Department of Homeland Security reported over 605,000 deportations. In January 2026, the U.S. suspended immigrant visa processing for 75 countries.
Labor Policy
The administration made changes to coal mining regulations. Industry lawsuits delayed a rule to lower silica dust levels, which can cause black lung disease. Many coal miners have been affected by this disease.
The administration also oversaw many layoffs and firings of federal workers. This included probationary employees and inspectors general. These actions were described as aiming to replace workers with those more aligned with Trump's agenda.
Universities
In February 2025, the Department of Justice began investigating several universities for concerns about antisemitism on college campuses. Trump's actions towards higher education were seen as an effort to influence institutions he viewed as critical of his policies. He froze federal funding for some universities, which led to legal challenges. A federal judge found these efforts to be illegal and an infringement on free speech rights.
International Relations
Foreign Policy Approach
Trump's foreign policy focused on an "America First" approach. This meant prioritizing U.S. interests and sometimes reducing involvement in international organizations. His administration favored strong power to achieve goals and changed support for groups that promote American influence. Critics said these moves could reduce American global influence.
The Americas
Trump's second presidency saw increased U.S. involvement in Latin American countries. This included threats and promises to influence elections and trade.
Actions Against Illegal Activities
The U.S. carried out military actions in the Caribbean Sea against vessels suspected of illegal activities. These actions led to many deaths and raised legal questions about their legality under U.S. and international law.
Venezuela
In January 2026, the United States launched military actions in Venezuela. These actions led to the capture of Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro.
Europe
NATO Spending
The Trump administration argued that European nations should spend more on their own defense. Trump said he might not defend NATO allies if they did not meet the alliance's spending goals. This encouraged European countries to increase their military spending.
Ukraine
Trump began efforts to negotiate peace to end the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. He met with leaders from France and Ukraine to discuss the conflict. Trump also spoke with Russian president Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy about negotiations. He threatened to stop U.S. military aid to Ukraine and impose sanctions on Russia if they did not negotiate fairly.
In July 2025, Trump reversed a suspended military aid package to Ukraine after a large Russian attack. He expressed frustration with Putin and suggested the U.S. could help Ukraine with surveillance or air defense. Trump emphasized that European nations should provide most of the assistance. In September 2025, the Trump administration approved sending weapons to Ukraine, paid for by NATO allies.
Africa
South Africa
Trump's administration had strained relations with South Africa. Trump suspended aid to the country, citing a land law that he said discriminated against certain groups. He also offered refugee status to some South Africans in the U.S.
Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda
In June 2025, President Trump helped broker a peace deal between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. This agreement aimed to end a long-standing conflict and included agreements on mineral rights.
Asia
Middle East
In March 2025, the U.S. began military actions against Houthi targets in Yemen to counter attacks on Red Sea shipping. In May, Trump announced a ceasefire deal with the Houthis.
The U.S. also reinstated a "maximum pressure" campaign against Iran. In June 2025, Israeli planes attacked sites in Iran related to its nuclear program. The U.S. later carried out its own military actions against three Iranian nuclear sites. In February 2026, the U.S. and Israel launched a major attack on Iran with the goal of changing its government.
Israel and Gaza
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After his election, Trump expressed a desire to end the Gaza war. In January 2025, Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire. However, fighting resumed in March. Trump's administration worked on a peace plan for Gaza. In October 2025, President Trump announced a deal for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. This deal included the release of hostages and prisoners.
China
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In February 2025, Trump signed an executive order to limit Chinese investment in important economic areas.
Foreign Aid
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) made significant changes to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). In January 2025, the administration issued a 90-day pause on most USAID programs worldwide. This interrupted many projects, including emergency medical care and aid for refugees. Critics raised concerns about the impact on humanitarian efforts.
In March 2025, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that 83% of USAID programs would be canceled. The remaining programs were moved to the Department of State. In July 2025, Congress approved cuts to foreign aid, but protected funding for the PEPFAR program, which provides HIV medicines to lower-income countries.
Refugees
The Trump administration made changes to refugee programs. The "Uniting for Ukraine" program was suspended, stopping new applications from Ukrainian refugees. The administration also slowed the entry of Afghan refugees. In May 2025, temporary protected status for Afghan refugees was ended, citing improved conditions in Afghanistan, a claim disputed by the UN.
Ideas for Expanding U.S. Influence
Trump proposed ideas that could expand the United States' political influence and territory.
Canada
The Trump administration imposed tariffs on Canadian goods. Canadian officials responded with their own tariffs. Trump also repeatedly expressed a desire for the United States to annex Canada. These actions led to strained relations and a "Buy Canadian" movement. In February 2026, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to repeal the tariffs on Canadian goods.
Greenland
Trump continued to propose that the United States purchase Greenland from Denmark. He described control of the island as important for national security. These proposals led to strong reactions from Danish and Greenlandic leaders, who rejected the idea.
Panama Canal
Trump demanded that Panama return control of the Panama Canal to the United States. He cited high fees for American passage. The administration also explored military options to ensure U.S. access to the canal.
United Nations
On July 22, 2025, the United States announced its decision to withdraw from UNESCO. In January 2026, Donald Trump directed the U.S. to begin withdrawing from 66 United Nations organizations, agencies, and commissions.
World Health Organization
On January 22, 2026, President Donald Trump completed the withdrawal of the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO). This ended its 78-year membership and stopped all U.S. funding and participation. The administration said the withdrawal was due to concerns about the WHO's handling of global health emergencies and its independence. Critics said this was a shortsighted decision that would harm global health efforts.
Ethical Concerns
Trump's second presidency raised concerns about ethical standards and potential conflicts of interest. Critics said there were fewer rules to prevent conflicts compared to his first term. Trump changed some anti-corruption measures and ethical standards.
Conflicts of Interest
Trump's business interests, including a publicly traded company and cryptocurrency ventures, led to many discussions about conflicts of interest. He did not separate himself from his business interests. His family also continued to pursue business deals overseas. These situations raised questions about the influence of personal business on government decisions. For example, Trump's encouragement of investors to buy stocks before pausing tariffs was scrutinized.
In May 2025, Trump's intention to accept a luxury jet from Qatar for his presidential library drew criticism from both parties. This was seen as an example of a transactional presidency.
Cryptocurrency Ventures
Trump and his family's involvement in the cryptocurrency industry led to ethical and legal concerns. In January 2025, Trump launched a cryptocurrency memecoin that quickly gained high value. This venture was criticized by ethics experts, who raised concerns about foreign governments potentially buying the coin and influencing U.S. policy.
Concerns About Governance
The administration's rapid pace of new policies and executive orders was noted. Many of these actions faced legal challenges. Critics raised concerns about the balance of power between the president and other parts of the government. Some experts and newspapers expressed worries about the administration's approach to governance and its relationship with the courts.
Elections During the Second Trump Presidency
| Senate leaders | House leaders | ||||
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| Congress | Year | Majority | Minority | Speaker | Minority |
| 119th | 2025–present | Thune | Schumer | Johnson | Jeffries |
| Congress | Senate | House |
|---|---|---|
| 119th | 53 | 220 |
See also
In Spanish: Segunda presidencia de Donald Trump para niños
