Here’s what happened during President Donald Trump’s 4th week in office

President Donald Trump and His Administration Forge Ahead with Foreign Policy Priorities

President Donald Trump and his administration made significant strides in advancing foreign policy initiatives this week, focusing on key global issues such as the Russia-Ukraine war and the resettlement of Palestinian refugees. The President held crucial discussions with world leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, to explore avenues for ending the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. In a post on Truth Social, Trump revealed that he and Putin had agreed to launch immediate negotiations, with their respective teams set to begin talks right away. He also announced that he would personally inform Zelenskyy of the developments. Trump emphasized that the negotiations would be led by a team of high-ranking officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, National Security Advisor Michael Waltz, and Ambassador and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. The President expressed confidence in the success of these negotiations, signaling a strong commitment to resolving the conflict.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration faced criticism over its approach to the negotiations. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth sparked controversy by suggesting that it was unrealistic for Ukraine to regain its pre-war borders with Russia, a statement that drew backlash from critics who argued that such a stance could embolden Putin. Brett Bruen, a former official under President Barack Obama, warned that Putin might exploit the situation to demand further concessions. Hegseth, however, defended the administration’s position, dismissing claims that Trump was negotiating from a position of weakness. He asserted that Trump’s approach was rooted in strength and historical precedent, ensuring that U.S. interests remained paramount. The Russia-Ukraine conflict, which began in February 2022, has been a focal point of Trump’s foreign policy agenda, particularly as he campaigned on a promise to end the war if re-elected.

Trump Meets with Jordan’s King Amid Tense Talks About Resettling Palestinians

In another significant diplomatic engagement, President Trump welcomed Jordan’s King Abdullah II to the White House on Tuesday. The meeting took place against the backdrop of contentious discussions between the U.S. and Arab nations regarding the resettlement of Palestinian refugees to Jordan and other neighboring countries. Trump recently unveiled a controversial plan to “take over” the Gaza Strip, aiming to establish a “long-term ownership position” to bring stability to the region. The announcement, made during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on February 4, sparked immediate backlash from Arab countries, including Jordan. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi announced plans for an emergency Arab Summit on February 27 to address what he termed “new and dangerous developments” related to the resettlement of Palestinians.

During the White House meeting, King Abdullah remained tight-lipped about Trump’s proposals for Gaza, choosing instead to wait for Egypt to take the lead in presenting a formal plan. However, the Jordanian monarch did reveal one concrete initiative: Jordan’s willingness to accept 2,000 sick Palestinian children, including those suffering from cancer, to receive medical care in the country. Abdullah emphasized that this humanitarian gesture could be implemented quickly while broader negotiations continued. His cautious approach reflected the delicate balance Jordan seeks to maintain in its relations with both the U.S. and its Arab neighbors. The King underscored the need for a coordinated regional effort to address the challenges posed by the resettlement of Palestinians.

Trump Floats Denuclearization Talks with China and Russia

In addition to addressing the Russia-Ukraine conflict, President Trump expressed his desire to advance denuclearization efforts, potentially involving Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Putin. Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Trump hinted at organizing a joint meeting with the two leaders, stating that he wanted all nations to move toward denuclearization. He indicated that these talks would gain momentum once the situations in the Middle East and Ukraine were stabilized. Trump’s comments came as the U.S., Russia, and Ukraine engage in active negotiations to end the ongoing conflict. The President criticized the current arms race, arguing that the production of new nuclear weapons was unnecessary and wasteful. He pointed out that the U.S. already possesses enough nuclear weapons to destroy the world multiple times over, rendering further production obsolete.

Trump also highlighted the financial burden of nuclear weapons development, noting that the U.S. is projected to spend approximately $756 billion on its nuclear arsenal between 2023 and 2032, according to a 2023 Congressional Budget Office report. He suggested that these resources could be better allocated to more productive endeavors. While Trump’s vision of global denuclearization is ambitious, the path to achieving it remains uncertain. The involvement of both China and Russia, each with their own strategic interests and priorities, adds complexity to the negotiations. Nevertheless, Trump’s initiative reflects his administration’s broader focus on reshaping global security frameworks.

Trump Signs Executive Order to Cut Federal Workforce

On the domestic front, President Trump signed an executive order on Tuesday aimed at significantly reducing the size of the federal workforce. The order instructs the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to collaborate with federal agencies to implement massive staffing cuts. The initiative mandates that agencies limit new hires, allowing no more than one new employee for every four who leave their positions. Additionally, the order requires agencies to develop plans for large-scale reductions in force and to identify functions that can be eliminated or consolidated without violating legal requirements. The move builds on earlier steps taken by Trump, including a federal hiring freeze and a buyout initiative offered to more than two million federal civilian employees. According to the White House, over 75,000 employees have accepted buyouts to leave their positions or transition to in-person work.

The executive order reflects Trump’s broader agenda of trimming government bureaucracy and reducing federal spending. While supporters argue that these measures will enhance government efficiency and accountability, critics warn that such drastic cuts could undermine the ability of federal agencies to perform their essential functions. The initiative has sparked debate over the appropriate size and role of the federal workforce, with implications for public services and national governance.

Trump Proposes Halting Production of the Penny

In a move that has sparked both curiosity and debate, President Trump announced plans to discontinue the production of the penny, citing the high costs associated with minting the coin. In a post on Truth Social on Sunday, Trump wrote, “For far too long, the United States has minted pennies which literally cost us more than 2 cents. This is so wasteful! I have instructed my Secretary of the US Treasury to stop producing new pennies.” The President’s statement was prompted by the fact that producing a single penny costs nearly 3.69 cents, primarily due to the materials used—zinc coated with copper. While Trump’s initiative aims to eliminate this financial burden, experts point out that the process of discontinuing the penny is more complex than it seems. The Secretary of the Treasury may have the authority to halt production, but Congress would likely need to pass legislation to officially retire the penny from circulation.

Supporters of the penny argue that targeting the nickel, which is even more expensive to produce, might be a more practical solution. Robert Triest, an economics professor at Northeastern University, noted that while the Secretary of the Treasury could stop minting new pennies, Congress would ultimately need to approve the discontinuation of the coin. The debate over the penny highlights broader discussions about the future of U.S. currency and the balance between tradition and fiscal responsibility. As the proposal moves forward, it is likely to face scrutiny from lawmakers, economists, and the public alike.