8/30/2025 What has Trump done in the past 14 days in a nutshell.
Here are the key actions taken by President Donald Trump in the past two weeks (August 1–15, 2025)
Here’s what President Trump has been up to over the past two weeks:
Key Highlights: What Trump Has Done Recently
1. Tariffs Face Legal Blow
A federal appeals court ruled in a 7–4 decision that Trump’s use of emergency powers to impose broad “reciprocal” tariffs exceeded his authority—but, for now, the tariffs remain in effect as the administration appeals to the Supreme Court. Tariffs on steel, aluminum, and automobiles remain unaffected for the moment.
2. Crime Crackdown & Militarized Policing
Trump has authorized aggressive federal intervention in crime-fighting efforts, including deploying National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., and planning deployments to Chicago. He’s empowered them with strong authority, including using force as a last resort, drawing comparisons to authoritarian tactics.
3. Lisa Cook Fires Back
Fed Governor Lisa Cook has vowed to sue, arguing that Trump’s attempt to fire her on unfounded mortgage fraud allegations is illegal and undermines the Federal Reserve’s independence.
4. White House Contractor Banned Over Rose Garden Damage
After discovering a “deep and nasty” 25-yard crack in the newly renovated Rose Garden patio, Trump publicly named and banned the contractor responsible. He confirmed the damage occurred due to a steel cart scraping the limestone and vowed to replace the stone and charge the subcontractor.
5. Critics Decry Lack of Cabinet Diversity
The Guardian spotlighted mounting criticism of Trump’s cabinet composition—revealing that only one Black individual serves among 24 senior officials. The firing of Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook and others is being seen by critics as a deliberate rollback of racial representation and equity in government.
6. Diplomatic Snub from India’s PM
Reports reveal that Prime Minister Modi declined Trump’s recent invitations to travel to Washington, signaling a diplomatic distancing and frustration over Trump’s media-driven approach and “photo-op” focus.
At a Glance
| Theme | What’s Happening |
|---|---|
| Trade authority challenged | Court rules Trump’s tariff imposition was unauthorized—appeal pending |
| Crime and law enforcement | National Guard deployments and heightened federal policing raise civil liberties concerns |
| Federal Reserve conflict | Fired Fed Governor is fighting back in court, citing improper presidential overreach |
| White House drama | Trump publicly confronts contractor over Rose Garden damages—contract revoked |
| Diversity concerns | Cabinet criticized as overwhelmingly white amid firings of prominent Black figures |
| Strained diplomacy | India’s PM reportedly snubs Trump—diplomacy may be slipping into optics-driven tension |
