Here’s what happened during President Donald Trump’s 7th week in office

The American Dream and the Promise of a New Era

President Donald Trump kicked off the week with an optimistic tone, delivering a joint address to Congress that underscored his administration’s commitment to restoring American greatness. Trump declared that the American Dream is "surging" and that "America is back," emphasizing his vision for a future where the U.S. takes control of its destiny. He vowed that this era would be the nation’s "greatest" yet, a message that resonated with his base and set the stage for a week filled with significant policy announcements and actions. Trump’s address was characteristic of his populist rhetoric, blending confidence, nationalism, and a promise of renewal.

Central to his address was the announcement of progress on several fronts, including national security, border control, and foreign policy. Trump revealed that his administration had apprehended the top terrorist responsible for the 2021 Afghanistan attack that claimed the lives of 13 U.S. troops. He described the terrorist as being on his way to face "the swift sword of American justice," a statement that highlighted his administration’s focus on combating terrorism and upholding accountability. Additionally, Trump called on lawmakers to increase funding for border security, touting his administration’s efforts as the "most sweeping border and immigration crackdown in American history." This rhetoric aligned with his long-standing campaign promises to tighten border controls and enforce stricter immigration policies.

Foreign Policy and the Push for Peace in Ukraine

Foreign policy took center stage as Trump addressed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Just days after a tense meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Trump expressed his commitment to ending the war, stating, "It’s time to end this senseless war." He emphasized the importance of diplomacy and negotiating with both sides to achieve a peaceful resolution. Despite disagreements during his meeting with Zelenskyy, Trump suggested that Ukraine was prepared to return to the negotiating table, signaling a potential breakthrough in efforts to end the conflict. His remarks were met with skepticism by some, including Democratic Senator Elissa Slotkin, who criticized Trump’s foreign policy approach, arguing that his strategies would haveFailed during the Cold War.

Trump’s focus on Ukraine was not limited to diplomacy. Earlier in the week, he had pausedaidto Ukraine after the fiery meeting with Zelenskyy, a move that sparked concern among allies and critics alike. However, his address to Congress appeared to reignite hopes for a peaceful resolution, as he expressed a clear desire to halt the violence and broker a deal.

Negotiations with Iran and the Threat of Military Action

In addition to Ukraine, Trump’s foreign policy efforts extended to Iran, where his administration has been engaged in high-stakes negotiations. Speaking to reporters, Trump indicated that a nuclear deal with Iran could be imminent, stating, "We are down to the final moments." He expressed a preference for a peaceful resolution, though he did not rule out military action, saying, "Hopefully, we can have a peace deal. I’m not speaking out of strength or weakness, I’m just saying I’d rather see a peace deal than the other. But the other will solve the problem."

To further pressure Iran, Trump revealed that he had sent a letter to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, urging Tehran to agree to a nuclear deal or face military consequences. In a clip from an interview with Fox Business, Trump reiterated his desire for a negotiated settlement, saying, "I would rather negotiate a deal. I’m not sure that everybody agrees with me, but we can make a deal that would be just as good as if you won militarily." These comments underscored Trump’s dual approach of diplomat and deal-maker, blending carrot-and-stick tactics to achieve his goals.

Border Security and the Crackdown on Cartels

Domestically, Trump continued to prioritize border security, a cornerstone of his agenda. He urged lawmakers to bolster funding for border security measures, including deportations and enforcement along the southern border. In a move that aligned with his hardline immigration stance, Trump also revealed a list of cartels and gangs that his administration intends to designate as terrorist organizations. This announcement was part of what Trump described as the "most sweeping border and immigration crackdown in American history," a bold claim that reflects his administration’s focus on curbing illegal immigration and combating organized crime.

The designation of cartels as terrorist organizations could have significant implications, including the imposition of stricter penalties for members and associates, as well as increased international cooperation in combating these groups. Trump’s administration has long targeted cartels, viewing them as a major threat to national security and public safety. By designating them as terrorist organizations, the U.S. aims to disrupt their operations and deter their activities.

Economic Measures and the Push for Peace in Russia-Ukraine

In response to Russia’s escalating attacks on Ukraine’s energy and gas infrastructure, Trump signaled that he might impose harsher sanctions on Moscow. Writing on Truth Social, Trump stated, "Based on the fact that Russia is absolutely ‘pounding’ Ukraine on the battlefield right now, I am strongly considering large scale Banking Sanctions, Sanctions, and Tariffs on Russia until a Cease Fire and FINAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT ON PEACE IS REACHED." He urged both Russia and Ukraine to return to the negotiating table, warning that time was running out for a peaceful resolution.

National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett echoed Trump’s stance, suggesting that the administration was prepared to use both incentives and penalties to encourage Russia and Ukraine to reach a peace deal. This approach reflects Trump’s transactional view of foreign policy, where economic leverage is a key tool for achieving political and strategic goals. By threatening sanctions while offering the prospect of relief, the administration aims to create a sense of urgency and motivate both sides to compromise.

No More Federal Resources for Perkins Coie

In a move that revisited the controversies of his 2016 presidential campaign, Trump signed an executive order stripping security clearances and access to federal resources for the law firm Perkins Coie. The firm had played a key role in the production of the Steele dossier, a document that alleged ties between Trump and Russia—claims that Trump has repeatedly denied. Calling the dossier a "weaponization against a political opponent," Trump described the executive order as an "absolute honor to sign," vows that such abuses of power would never happen again.

Perkins Coie pushed back against the order, with the firm reviewing the executive order and planning to challenge it. Marc Elias, the former chair of the firm’s political law practice, had hired Fusion GPS to conduct opposition research on Trump during the 2016 campaign, leading to the creation of the Steele dossier. The dossier was later used to secure surveillance applications against former Trump campaign advisor Carter Page, a fact that Trump and his allies have cited as evidence of what they describe as a "deep state" conspiracy against him.

Conclusion: A Week of Action and Controversy

This week saw Trump in full action, pushing forward on multiple fronts with characteristic confidence and controversy. From his joint address to Congress to his announcements on foreign policy, border security, and economic measures, Trump’s agenda remained as ambitious and divisive as ever. While critics like Senator Slotkin accused him of being ill-equipped to handle the complexities of global diplomacy, Trump’s supporters likely found solace in his unwavering commitment to his vision of America.

As the week drew to a close, Trump’s administration continued to grapple with the fallout of his executive order targeting Perkins Coie, a move that reignited debates over the role of government in political conflicts. Similarly, his negotiations with Iran and Ukraine, as well as his push for stricter sanctions on Russia, kept the international community on edge, wondering what the future holds for global stability.

One thing is certain: Trump’s presidency continues to be defined by bold actions, unapologetic rhetoric, and a relentless drive to shape the world according to his vision. Whether one views his efforts as a necessary shake-up of the status quo or a dangerous escalation of tensions, there is no denying that Trump remains a dominant force on the global stage. As the world watches, the question remains: what will he do next?