In President Donald Trump’s second week in office, the country experienced a series of tumultuous events that left many stunned. The White House faced criticism for backtracking on directives to freeze federal spending, and Trump fueled unsupported accusations following a deadly plane crash near Washington. Additionally, Trump’s administration made bold moves against institutions by ousting prosecutors and laying the groundwork to purge FBI agents. Billionaire ally Elon Musk also initiated efforts to downsize the federal workforce.

The week highlighted the administration’s struggle to maintain order, with a confusing memo causing disruptions and lawsuits, reminiscent of chaotic moments from Trump’s first term. Trump’s aggressive attempts to reshape Washington were evident in his pardoning of individuals involved in the Capitol riot and the push to purge officials from key agencies.

Blaming diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives became a recurring theme for Trump, who targeted federal DEI efforts and suggested they were at the root of various issues. The administration’s first major policy setback came with the abrupt freeze and subsequent unfreezing of federal grant funds, sparking controversy nationwide.

Trump’s campaign promise to overhaul the federal workforce became more apparent, with federal employees facing decisions about accepting paid leave in exchange for resigning. The administration’s trade war strategies also came into focus, with tariffs imposed on Canada, Mexico, and China, leading to retaliatory measures and escalating tensions.

Overall, Trump’s second week in office showcased a mix of bold actions, controversies, and challenges that set the tone for his administration’s approach to governance.