Trump’s First 100 Days: Good, Bad, and Ugly

I posted my review of first 100 says of Donald Trump as President of United States. Many may have ignored it knowing that I am not a US citizen. Today, I am sharing excerpts from an article by *Christopher Calton. He has talked about Trump’s early actions on trade, education, immigration, and more, offering a clear-eyed analysis of what Americans can expect in the years ahead.

On the first day of his second term, Trump issued a record-breaking 26 executive orders, and in the weeks that followed, he added more than 100 additional orders alongside other memorandums and proclamations. Some have been entirely positive, while others have been downright eyeroll-inducing, such as renaming the Gulf of Mexico and declaring the day the order was signed a national holiday.

The trillion-dollar military budget seems consistent with Trump’s hawkish foreign policy. Both of Trump’s electoral victories reflected a mandate to finally stop subsidizing foreign conflicts and end America’s forever wars. Trump has, at least, withheld funding for Ukraine, though his approach seems more an effort to cater to Putin than to achieve peace.

Elsewhere, the president has doubled down on America’s support for Israel’s destruction of Gaza, has threatened war with Iran, and has commenced a horrible bombing campaign against Yemen. Just as in his first term, when he neglected to fulfill his promise to withdraw troops from Afghanistan, Trump is again proving to be a war-happy commander in chief.

President Trump’s second term threatens to be even more of a disaster than his first in many arenas, particularly trade and foreign policy. His immigration measures are consistent with his campaign promises, but his lack of concern for due process and rule of law should be concerning to even the most ardent supporters of border security.

Trump’s approach to spending seems an improvement over his first term, but is nonetheless disappointing after what appeared to be a promising start with DOGE.

The silver lining to Trump’s first 100 days is that he is providing a positive counterweight to the left’s growing radicalism in the culture wars, as demonstrated by his education policies. 

*Christopher J. Calton is the Research Fellow in Housing and Homelessness at the Independent Institute.

 

Humanitarian obligations to Palestinians

The UN's highest court, International Court of Justice (ICJ) has begun a week of hearings into Israel's obligation to "ensure and facilitate" humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians in the occupied territories and particularly in Gaza, reports Euronews.

The hearings come in response to a resolution passed last year by the UN General Assembly asking the ICJ to weigh in on Israel's legal responsibilities after the country blocked UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, from operating on its territory.

The hearings opened as the humanitarian aid system in Gaza is nearing collapse. The UN legal team was the first to address the court on Monday, followed by Palestinian representatives.

The World Food Program said last week its food stocks in Gaza have run out, ending a main source of sustenance for hundreds of thousands of Palestinians.

Israel, which denies deliberately targeting civilians and aid staff as part of its war with Hamas, has blocked the entry of food, fuel, medicine and other supplies since 02 March, and renewed its military campaign on March 18, saying it aims to push Hamas to release more hostages.

The Palestinian Ambassador to the Netherlands Ammar Hijazi told the ICJ in The Hague, “Israel is starving, killing and displacing Palestinians while also targeting and blocking humanitarian organizations trying to save their lives", accusing it of breaching international law.

No Israeli representatives attended the hearing, which Foreign Minister Gideon Saar decried as part of a “systematic persecution and delegitimization” of his country. "It is abusing the international legal system and politicizing it," he added.

Israel's ban on UNRWA, which came into effect in January, stems from claims that the group has been infiltrated by Hamas. Israel presented its case against UNRWA on Monday, accusing it of failing to act before the war against evidence that Hamas had used its facilities.

Amir Weissbrod, a Foreign Ministry official, said UNRWA employed 1,400 Palestinians with militant ties, adding that some of those employees also took part in Hamas’ 07 October 2023 attacks. UNRWA said it fired nine staffers after an internal UN investigation.

In total, 40 states and four international organizations are scheduled to participate in the ICJ case. The US, which voted against the UN resolution, is scheduled to speak on Wednesday.

The court will likely take months to rule. But experts say that while any decision will not be legally binding, the outcome could profoundly impact international jurisprudence, international aid to Israel and public opinion.

Whether any ruling will have an effect on Israel is another matter. The Israeli government has long accused the UN of being unfairly biased against it and has ignored a 2004 advisory ruling by the ICJ that found its West Bank separation barrier illegal.

It also ignored last year's advisory ruling calling Israel to stop settlement activity in Jerusalem and the occupied West Bank, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu calling it a "decision of lies".

 

First 100 days of Donald Trump as US President

In the first 100 days of his second term (January 20–April 29, 2025), Donald Trump as President of the United States has implemented sweeping changes across domestic and foreign policy, marking a significant shift in US governance. This period is marked by aggressive executive action, political polarization, and early challenges in advancing his legislative agenda. He focused on fulfilling campaign promises, particularly on immigration, deregulation, and trade, but faced setbacks in healthcare reform and legislative coordination. Here's a brief review:

Domestic Policy

Government Overhaul
Trump established the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, to streamline federal operations. This initiative led to substantial staff reductions and a freeze on new regulations and hiring, excluding the military.

Immigration Policies
The administration intensified immigration policies by invoking the Alien Enemies Act for mass deportations and signing the Laken Riley Act, which mandates detention of undocumented immigrants accused of certain crimes. Additionally, plans were set to expand the Guantanamo Bay Migrant Operations Center to detain up to 30,000 individuals.

Pardons and Clemency
Approximately 1,500 individuals convicted in connection with the January 06 Capitol attack received pardons, including leaders of groups like the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers. Ross Ulbricht, founder of the Silk Road darknet market, was also granted clemency.

Education and Social Policies
Federal funding was cut for institutions promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Trump also challenged birthright citizenship and reinstated bans on transgender individuals serving in the military and participating in women's sports.

Energy and Environmental
Trump declared a National Energy Emergency, rescinded numerous environmental regulations, and withdrew the US from the Paris Climate Agreement for the second time. He also halted new federal leases for wind energy projects.

Foreign Policy

International Relations and Aid
Executive Order 14169 initiated a 90-day pause on foreign development aid, excluding emergency food assistance and military aid to Egypt and Israel. The administration also reinstated Cuba's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism and withdrew from the World Health Organization.

Conflict Resolution
Efforts to swiftly end the wars in Ukraine and Gaza faced setbacks. While initial diplomatic engagements showed promise, renewed hostilities impeded progress. A Kremlin-declared ceasefire in Ukraine offered some hope, but the Gaza ceasefire collapsed in March, exacerbating humanitarian concerns.

Trade and Alliances
Trump's aggressive tariff policies disrupted global markets and strained relationships with traditional allies. His administration's unilateral actions challenged longstanding international alliances and norms.

Domestic and Global Response

Domestically, public approval waned, with only 11% of Americans feeling better off since Trump's inauguration and 44% rating his performance as poor. Internationally, Amnesty International reported that Trump's policies contributed to a global decline in human rights, citing increased repression and erosion of international law.

Iran proposes meeting with Europeans

Iran has proposed meeting the European parties to a 2015 nuclear deal possibly in Rome this Friday if talks resume with the United States, reports Reuters.

Iran is looking to build on the momentum of nuclear negotiations with the United States that resumed in Oman on Saturday, after talks with Russia and China.

Omani officials have said a new round of US-Iran talks could be held on May 03 in Europe. No formal decision has been taken as yet.

Iran's reach out to Britain, France and Germany, known as the E3, suggests Tehran is keeping its options open and also wants to assess where the Europeans stand on the possible re-imposition of UN sanctions before October, when a resolution ratifying the 2015 accord expires.

Iran had communicated after last Saturday's talks with the United States a proposal to meet possibly in Rome on Friday. Should that not be possible, the Iranians also suggested discussions in Tehran before that date.

The second round of negotiations between Washington and Tehran took place in Rome with Iran saying serious differences remained.

The European and Western diplomats said the E3 were assessing whether it was in their interest to meet Iran now or wait to see how talks with Washington developed, but ruled out a meeting in Tehran.

"It is important to remain on the same page with all parties to the 2015 deal. Therefore, meeting the E3 countries this week ahead of the next round of talks with Americans would be useful," said the Iranian official.

 

BYD takes delivery of world largest car carrier

Constructed by China Merchants Jinling Shipyard, the LNG dual-fuel car carrier, BYD Shenzhen, which is 219 meters long and 37.7 meters wide, has a loading capacity of 9,200 ceu (car equivalent units). The ship's capacity takes the car carrier size crown from Höegh Autoliners' 9,100 ceu Aurora class.

Featuring green technologies including boil-off gas recondenser and drag-reducing anti-fouling hull coatings, hybrid battery system and shore power capability, the vessel has improved energy efficiency, ensuring that it meets the latest environmental standards set by IMO, the company said.

"The delivery of BYD Shenzhen represents a crucial step in BYD's globalization strategy. It is more than just a transport ship, but serves as a 'maritime bridge' connecting Chinese innovation with the global market," said Wang Junbao, general manager of BYD.

After a naming ceremony in Jiangsu province on April 22, the ship was set to complete loading operations before setting off to Brazil

BYD now operates three ro-ro ships, as the latest addition joins BYD Explorer No1, BYD Changzhou and BYD Hefei. Four vessels sharing BYD Shenzhen's design were ordered in 2022; sister ship BYD Xi'an is already on the water and soon to enter operation for the vehicle manufacturer.

In the first quarter of 2025, BYD said its ro-ro fleet has transported over 25,000 units of new energy automobiles to destinations all over the world.

In 2022, BYD announced an eight-ship, CNY5bn round of car carrier orders, two at Guangzhou Shipyard International Company and six at at CIMC Raffles, including ships ordered by Zodiac Maritime for charter to BYD and operation by Zodiac Maritime.

Courtesy: Seatrade Maritime  News

Iran: Operations resume at Shahid Rajaee Port

Iranian Customs Administration announced that customs clearance procedures for direct transport, foreign transit, exports, and imports have resumed at Shahid Rajaee Port.

According to the Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Administration (IRICA), a special meeting of the technical and support team was held on Sunday at the import exit gate of Shahid Rajaee Customs.

Following an on-site review of infrastructure and confirmation of operational readiness, the head of Iranian Customs Administration ordered the resumption of direct customs clearance for essential goods and shipments for production units.

In a separate statement, the administration noted that customs clearance procedures for foreign transit, exports, and imports at Shahid Rajaee Customs in Bandar Abbas have officially resumed.

Iranian Customs Administration is expected to formally announce the full resumption of customs clearance procedures across all operations later today.

A huge explosion occurred on Saturday at Shahid Rajaee Port in southern Hormozgan Province, leaving at least 25 dead and 750 injured, according to the provincial judiciary department.

The incident caused temporary disruptions in customs and transit operations. This affected the seamless flow of goods through the port, which is a crucial gateway for both imports and exports.

Shahid Rajaee Port, located in the southern city of Bandar Abbas, plays a key role in the country's trade and is vital for regional transit, particularly for goods traveling through the International North-South Transit Corridor (INSTC).

 

Kashmir conflict after Pahalgam attack

The most recent conflict between India and Pakistan in the Kashmir region has once again brought the area to the brink of a deep crisis, especially since both nations are armed with nuclear weapons.

India has upped the ante by blaming Pakistan for the tragedy, without providing credible evidence of this country’s alleged involvement in the brutal slaying of tourists.

The recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam in the Indian-administered Kashmir, which resulted in the tragic demise of numerous tourists, has not only intensified India's animosity towards Pakistan but has also garnered global scrutiny regarding the prospects of an extensive military conflict.

Since gaining independence in 1947, Kashmir has been split between India and Pakistan, with each country asserting ownership over the entire region while controlling distinct areas. This division has resulted in ongoing tensions that have escalated into conflict over time.

On Tuesday, at least 26 people were killed by suspected rebels at a resort in Pahalgam, making this the deadliest such attack in a quarter-century in Kashmir. A statement issued in the name of The Resistance Front (TRF), which is said to be part of the Lashkar-e-Taiba armed group, based in Pakistan, claimed responsibility.

The aftermath has prompted notable diplomatic pushback. India has declared its exit from the Indus Waters Treaty, an important water-sharing pact established by the World Bank in 1960, while Pakistan countered by suspending a significant canal irrigation initiative and prohibiting Indian flights from its airspace. 

Pakistani officials have dismissed India's allegations, with Defense Minister Khawaja Asif asserting that "blaming Pakistan won’t address" the issue of Kashmir’s disputed status. 

The Indian government has admitted failing to protect tourists at Pahalgam, Mallikarjum Kharge, president of the All India Congress Committee, said during a speech.

He added that the government confirmed during an all-party meeting on Thursday that a security lapse allowed the attack to happen.

Kharge, who heads the opposition in the upper house of India’s parliament, said a three-phase security plan was in place but ultimately failed.

Amid this volatile situation, Iran has taken on the role of a mediator, understanding the complex geopolitics of the subcontinent and choosing not to take sides.

Iran’s diplomatic initiative is underscored by its historical balancing act between India and Pakistan, maintaining strong ties with both while advocating for regional stability. 

On Friday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi wrote on his X social account, “India and Pakistan are brotherly neighbors of Iran, enjoying relations rooted in centuries-old cultural and civilizational ties,” adding that “Tehran stands ready to use its good offices in Islamabad and New Delhi to forge greater understanding at this difficult time”.

Given the nuclear-armed status of both India and Pakistan, Iran’s mediation effort represents a crucial attempt to de-escalate tensions and prevent further destabilization in South Asia.

Tehran’s stance reflects its broader regional strategy to promote peace through dialogue and resist external powers’ divisive influences in the Kashmir dispute.

Pakistan said on Saturday it is “fully prepared to cooperate with any neutral investigators” following the Pahalgam attack.

In an editorial published on Saturday, Pakistan’s Dawn news outlet said, “It is time again to give diplomacy a chance as neither Pakistan nor India can afford war.”

The editorial added, “These are dangerous times in the subcontinent, and there is a need for both Pakistan and India to show restraint, and handle the post-Pahalgam developments with sense.