Since returning to the White House in 2025, Trump has been at the center of major global flashpoints. Under his leadership the U.S. has been involved in or associated with:

• A war with Iran and a U.S. naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, with ongoing military tensions and huge costs, and Trump repeatedly threatening escalation if terms aren’t met.

• Trump has tried to put tariffs on imports from many countries to protect U.S. interests, but courts have repeatedly ruled that many of his tariff actions were illegal or over the president’s authority, causing economic tension globally and confusion in trade relationships.

• The U.S. has been militarily active in Venezuela, capturing President Nicolás Maduro and removing him from power - moves that supporters call a crackdown on drug trafficking and corruption, but critics call an unnecessary intervention that destabilizes the region.

• His push to control Greenland has frustrated NATO members and sparked serious diplomatic friction, that could weaken the alliance that has stood since World War II.

• The administration’s immigration crackdown has led to deadly encounters with U.S. federal agents: in January 2026 in Minneapolis, a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent shot and killed a 37-year-old woman during a federal immigration operation, an incident that sparked protests and debate over the use of force and accountability.

Supporters argue these moves show Trump is taking strong action on trade, immigration, and foreign policy, standing up to rivals and enforcing U.S. laws. Critics argue his approach has provoked conflict, eroded trust, and led to violent outcomes and economic instability that hurt people at home and abroad.