One year after his dramatic return to the White House, U.S. President Donald Trump has reignited political debates with a flurry of executive actions targeting trade, immigration, and energy policies. Analysts describe his approach as an aggressive effort to consolidate influence ahead of November's midterm elections, which could determine Congress's balance of power.
Since resuming office in January 2025, Trump has signed 22 executive orders—including measures to reimpose tariffs on Asian manufacturing hubs and restrict technology transfers—that have drawn both praise from his base and legal challenges from opponents. Political strategist Linda Chen notes: 'This isn't just policymaking; it's a calculated play to energize conservative voters before the 2026 midterms.'
With Republican control of the Senate hanging on a single seat, observers warn that contentious hearings over these orders could dominate legislative agendas. Meanwhile, Asian markets have shown volatility in response to revived 'America First' rhetoric, particularly in semiconductor and renewable energy sectors.
