The second presidency of Donald Trump, which began on a rain-soaked January afternoon in 2025, has been a period of profound and controversial transformation, with repercussions felt from Washington to Windsor.
The 47th President of the United States launched his term with a flurry of contentious actions, decisively setting an agenda that prioritised his 'America First' doctrine. His tenure has been characterised by a stark realignment of foreign policy, aggressive domestic moves, and the use of social media as a relentless political megaphone.
Controversial Openings and Global Repercussions
One of the earliest and most polarising acts of Trump's new administration was the issuance of pardons or commutations for over 1,500 individuals involved in the US Capitol riot of January 6, 2021. This move was widely interpreted as a clear signal of his political priorities.
On the international stage, February saw a disastrous Oval Office meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, which culminated in a furious row. The immediate consequence was the US freezing all military aid to Ukraine, a move the White House termed a 'pause and review'. This suspension critically impacted the delivery of weaponry and ammunition, including supplies approved by the previous Biden administration, leaving Ukraine's defences exposed.
Trump's economic policies also sparked global friction, as he imposed sweeping tariffs targeting Chinese imports first, before extending them to key partners including the UK, Canada, Mexico, and the EU. Analysis from the Tax Foundation suggested these tariffs equated to an average tax increase of $1,100 per US household in 2025. UK exports, particularly aluminium and steel, faced a 50% levy.
The UK's 'Special Relationship' and Royal Hospitality
Despite trade tensions, the transatlantic relationship was showcased during an unprecedented second state visit by President Trump to the United Kingdom in September 2025. The invitation followed a personal appeal by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who presented a handwritten letter from King Charles during a Washington visit in February.
The September visit featured a full state welcome at Windsor Castle, complete with a carriage procession and a banquet hosted by the King. This followed a private four-day trip by Trump to Scotland in July, where he visited his Turnberry golf course. The Scottish leg was not without controversy, with local critic David Milne branding it a 'cynical circus'.
Domestic Crackdowns and Legal Clashes
Domestically, Trump intensified a pre-election promise of a wide-ranging immigration crackdown. His administration raised work visa fees, paused applications from 19 countries mostly in Africa and the Middle East, and halted all asylum decisions. The drive included plans for large-scale deportations, though these faced significant legal hurdles.
The President also engaged in a remarkable clash with the BBC, threatening to sue the broadcaster for 'anywhere between $1billion and $5billion' over a spliced edit in a Panorama programme that altered a clip of his speech. The BBC issued an apology, calling it an 'error of judgement', but rejected demands for compensation.
Throughout the year, Trump's past association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein remained a persistent theme. After initial hesitation, he ultimately signed a bill forcing the release of related files following bipartisan pressure in Congress.
Military Muscle and a Controversial Peace Plan
Trump projected American military power in several theatres. He hailed US airstrikes on key Iranian nuclear sites in June, conducted jointly with Israel, and authorised the seizure of a Venezuelan oil tanker. His administration also advanced a 20-point peace plan for Gaza, establishing a fragile ceasefire.
However, his approach to the war in Ukraine crystallised a major foreign policy shift. A mooted peace plan, viewed by Kyiv's supporters as a 'surrender document', involved Ukraine ceding territory and forgoing NATO membership. This alignment with Vladimir Putin's interests was seen by many as a decisive move away from traditional European allies.
As the year closed, Trump's supporters celebrated his award of the inaugural FIFA peace prize at the 2026 World Cup draw in Washington, hoping it might foreshadow a Nobel Peace Prize. Yet, with a simmering Epstein affair, ongoing global trade disputes, and a war in Europe entering a new phase, the risks and consequences of his second-term agenda continue to unfold.
