Donald Trump's post-presidential actions have stirred significant media attention, particularly as he reveals personal communications and makes bold policy statements. Recently, Trump shared the contents of the letter left for him by President Joe Biden, which he found inside the Resolute Desk shortly after taking office for his second non-consecutive term. The letter, dated January 20, 2025, expressed Biden's best wishes for Trump’s time as president.
During his interview with Fox News, Trump described the note as 'very nice' and 'a little bit of an inspirational-type letter,' emphasizing the importance of the presidency and expressing appreciation for the correspondence. This custom of writing letters to successors began with Ronald Reagan and has persisted through subsequent administrations. Biden previously characterized Trump's letters as 'very generous,' though exact content details remain undisclosed.
While Trump's administration transitioned, he implemented numerous executive actions reflecting his policy priorities, which included tightening immigration regulations. Among his first acts, Trump ordered the deployment of 1,500 additional military personnel to the U.S.-Mexico border to curb illegal immigration. His administration also temporarily paused the refugee resettlement program, impacting thousands seeking solace after fleeing from war zones.
During his inaugural remarks as president on January 21, Trump signaled intentions to impose tariffs on the European Union and China. He justified this by citing national interests and trade imbalances, asserting, 'They treat us very, very badly. So they're going to be in for tariffs.' Such statements highlight his continued aggressive trade posture, aimed at reshaping America's foreign trade engagements.
On the topic of domestic policies, Trump addressed California Governor Gavin Newsom's handling of wildfires during another interview, criticizing the state's water management. Trump claimed, 'Gavin's got one thing he can do. He can release the water from the north,' pointing to reservoirs and exploring measures to alleviate fire threats.
Further amplifying his controversial stance on immigration, Trump discussed the rising fears of terrorism within the U.S. He stated during interviews, 'We have terrorists in our country by the thousands... We’re going to take care of it,' signaling his administration’s renewed focus on national security.
Another significant point of contention arose following Trump’s executive order aimed at 'restoring freedom of speech and ending federal censorship,' which critics argue could potentially obfuscate the distinction between free speech and incitement against government entities. Trump accused the Biden administration of suppressing viewpoints through pressure on social media platforms to moderate content, claiming these actions were at odds with ideals of free expression.
Soon after his inauguration, Trump addressed perceived damages to free speech during the Capitol riot of January 6, expressing remorse over events and opting to pardon numerous associated individuals. Statements from critics, such as Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin, condemned the pardoning as 'a national embarrassment,' reinforcing the divide over Trump's actions and statements during this period of American unrest.
Aside from these developments, Trump also made headlines abroad by renaming the Gulf of Mexico to 'Gulf of America,' as part of his efforts to mark his administration's assertiveness. Discussions involving international relations highlighted comments from EU leaders who expressed apprehension about Trump’s potential trade policies, emphasizing the necessity for negotiations to protect mutual interests.
With all these developments, Trump's post-presidency actions demonstrate his intent to maintain significant influence over national discourse and policies, asserting his positions on immigration, free speech, and international relations. His statements continue to capture both support and fervent opposition, illustrating the polarized climate as he embarks on this phase of his political career.