Trump's Bold Moves This Week: From Gaza to Government Cuts

This week, Donald Trump and his administration took multiple striking actions, including plans for Gaza's future, significant cuts to foreign aid, and a presidential push against transgender athletes in sports.

The third week of Donald Trump's second term has witnessed a flurry of high-profile initiatives and decisions that align with his administration's agenda. From ambitious proposals concerning international territories to challenging domestic social issues, Trump's influence remains palpable. Here’s a look at 15 notable actions from the past week.

1. **Proposed US Governance Over Gaza**
During a joint press event with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump suggested the US would "take over" Gaza, asserting intentions to transform it into a lavish resort area. He reiterated this vision on social media and hinted at relocating its Palestinian inhabitants, although later clarifications indicated such actions might be temporary.

2. **Mass Layoffs at USAID**
Trump's administration plans to place thousands of USAID workers on leave, undermining a key foreign aid agency responsible for distributing billions globally. This severe reduction is a significant restructuring effort, further complicating the global aid landscape.

3. **Tariffs on China and Canada, Mexico Compromise**
The imposition of a 10% tariff on Chinese imports stirred discussions while the threats of further tariffs on Canada and Mexico were postponed following commitments from their leaders to enhance border security.

4. **Federal Worker Resignation Incentives**
Efforts to encourage federal workers to resign voluntarily faced legal hurdles when a judge blocked the program, which aimed to reduce government workforce size amidst confusion over the terms offered to employees.

5. **Sanctions on the ICC**
Trump enacted sanctions against some personnel of the International Criminal Court, imposing restrictions on those involved in investigations of US citizens, amidst heightened tensions surrounding alleged war crimes linked to recent conflicts.

6. **Military Strikes Against ISIS**
The Trump administration confirmed strikes against the Islamic State in Somalia, claiming to have targeted their operational leaders with minimal civilian impact, showcasing the ongoing military focus against terrorism.

7. **Withdrawal from UN Agencies**
On the international front, Trump signed an executive order to withdraw the US from UN agencies criticized by Israel, such as UNRWA, and initiated a review of participation in UNESCO.

8. **Expansion of Migrant Detention**
The first group of migrants was sent to the Guantanamo detention center as Trump announced plans for a significant expansion of capacity there, indicating a strict approach to immigration.

9. **Trade Deals with Ukraine**
Seeking rare earth resources, Trump negotiated a potential deal with Ukraine tied to a sizable aid package aimed at bolstering its defense against Russia.

10. **Transgender Ban in Sports**
In a swift move, Trump signed an executive order that bars transgender women from competing in women's sports categories, setting a precedent that may carry into future athletic events.

11. **Water Release Orders**
In response to environmental concerns, Trump ordered the release of large quantities of water from California's reservoirs, a decision met with skepticism regarding its practical implications for wildfire treatment.

12. **Taskforce Against Anti-Christian Bias**
In a bid to safeguard religious freedoms, Trump initiated a task force focused on addressing perceived anti-Christian sentiments within governmental practices.

13. **Golf Dispute Intervention**
Trump stepped into a controversy within professional golf, reportedly expediting negotiations towards a merger between competing golf tours, reflecting his influence within that community.

14. **Climate Change Mentions Removed**
Reports surfaced indicating the removal of climate change references from various government websites, a move consistent with the administration's stance on environmental policies.

15. **Access for Elon Musk's Initiative**
Members of a cost-cutting initiative led by Elon Musk were granted access to critical federal financial systems, further amplifying the intersection of technology and governance under Trump’s administration.

These diverse actions symbolize the administration's firm commitment to its controversial agenda despite domestic and international challenges.