Tariq Saeedi
During both of Donald Trump’s presidential campaigns, I supported him wholeheartedly, even though Central Asia—where I am based – is nearly as far away from the United States as possible on this globe.
My backing wasn’t rooted in geography or shared borders but in his remarkable ability to stand defiantly against the entire entrenched political system. As an outsider challenging the status quo, Trump represented a fresh hope for disruption and real change.
He won both times, overcoming immense odds, and I was genuinely happy for him, celebrating from afar as he secured his place in history.
I was certain that Trump would leverage his second term to build a lasting legacy—one that could serve as a beacon for anyone daring to stand against powerful systems worldwide. I envisioned him fostering policies that would not only make the world a better place but also elevate America to a position of great and universal respect within the global community.
His victories had proven that resilience and boldness could triumph, and I believed his final years in office would cement that narrative for generations.
Yet, as we stand here in early 2026, the path he’s chosen has been disappointing. Decision after decision has veered into controversy, undermining the very potential I once saw.
Below is a comprehensive list of the unpopular and controversial decisions from his second term that have, so far, cast a shadow over that promise.
List of Unpopular and Controversial Decisions by President Trump in His Second Term
Approval ratings for these foreign policy moves hover around 35-45% in recent polls, with widespread condemnation from allies and human rights groups for risking escalation and violating norms.
Immigration and Citizenship Policies
- Executive order to end birthright citizenship: Attempted to deny U.S. citizenship to children born in the U.S. to non-citizen or undocumented parents; blocked by courts as unconstitutional (41% approval).
- Mass deportation initiatives and border emergency declaration: Enabled widespread deportations of ~11 million undocumented immigrants, including to foreign prisons; criticized for humanitarian and economic impacts (mixed ~50% support).
- Stripping visas from foreign students and terminating refugee protections: Revoked protections for over 240,000 Ukrainian refugees; labeled cruel and unstable.
- Questioning citizenship of public figures like NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani: Trump publicly questioned the U.S. citizenship of African-born Mamdani (and others like Ilhan Omar), fueling racism accusations amid Mamdani’s criticism of U.S. actions in Venezuela; seen as divisive and unfounded (low ~30% approval).
Government Restructuring and Federal Workforce Changes
- Dismantling the Department of Education: Eroded federal oversight on education civil rights; criticized for weakening public education.
- Schedule F and mass federal layoffs: Enabled firings of ~75,000 workers; disrupted services (39% approval).
- Elimination of DEI programs: Rescinded across agencies; backlash for promoting inequality.
Legal and Justice System Interventions
- Blanket pardons for January 6 rioters: Pardoned ~1,500, including violent offenders; undermined rule of law (62% disapproval).
- Resuming federal executions: Ended moratorium; seen as regressive.
- Dropping charges against allies (e.g., Eric Adams): Viewed as quid pro quo (18% support).
- Targeting law firms opposing policies: Suspended clearances and contracts; chilled free speech.
Foreign Policy and International Relations
- Withdrawal from WHO: Isolated U.S. amid health concerns.
- Suspension of foreign aid: Froze aid; harmed alliances.
- Delaying TikTok ban: Contradicted security concerns; low approval.
- Antagonism toward NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani: Amid a reported “bromance,” Trump escalated by questioning Mamdani’s citizenship and responding harshly to his criticism of U.S. strikes in Venezuela; critics call it petty and racially charged.
- Threat to take over Greenland: Escalated push for U.S. purchase, including threats of “the easy way or the hard way”; imposed 10% tariffs (escalating to 25%) on Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, UK, Netherlands, and Finland for sending troops to prevent takeover; condemned as bullying allies and risking NATO unity (thousands protested in Greenland; ~40% U.S. approval).
- Threat to attack Iran amid protests: Warned of “strong action” if Iran executed protesters; considered military strikes on Tehran/IRGC but backed down after assurances executions stopped; critics argue it risked WW3, with Iran threatening retaliation on U.S. bases/Israel; seen as reckless posturing (~35% approval).
- Abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro: U.S. forces conducted strikes on Caracas (killing ~83, including soldiers and civilians) and abducted Maduro and his wife; he’s now in U.S. custody facing drug charges; condemned by UN as violation of sovereignty, with Venezuelan militias retaliating; oil giants like Chevron eyeing re-entry; seen as imperialistic and risky for regional stability (~40% approval, with protests in Venezuela).
Miscellaneous Symbolic or Eccentric Actions
- Renaming Gulf of Mexico to “Gulf of America”: Changed official references, including reverting Denali to Mount McKinley; mocked as divisive.
- Pressuring universities on antisemitism: Threatened funding cuts; backfired as overreach.
President Trump will leave the While House on 20 January 2029. There still remains an opportunity for him to repair the damages, pivot toward constructive reforms, and build a legacy worthy of prominent featuring in the annals of history. /// nCa, 20 January 2026