In the first year of Donald Trump’s potential second term, significant events unfolded, particularly concerning his administration’s handling of tariffs and crime in U.S. cities.
Trump’s Tariff Policies and Economic Impact
During discussions about tariffs, Susie Wiles advised Trump to delay announcements until a unified team was in place. However, Trump moved forward with a plan for “reciprocal” tariffs ranging from 10 to 100 percent. This move resulted in immediate backlash, causing turmoil in financial markets.
A Harvard poll conducted shortly before the December holidays revealed that 56 percent of voters believed Trump’s tariff approach had negatively affected the economy. Wiles acknowledged her belief in finding a middle ground, yet admitted the process was more challenging than anticipated.
National Guard Mobilization in Democratic-led Cities
On August 14, 2025, Trump declared a crime emergency in Washington, D.C., leading to the mobilization of 800 National Guard troops. This action was part of a broader strategy that included deploying 4,000 troops to Los Angeles and other Democrat-controlled cities to address rising crime rates and bolster federal immigration enforcement.
Critics and Support for Trump’s Decisions
These troop deployments faced criticism as many regarded them as unconstitutional and ineffective. Critics expressed concern that the president might misuse military force to influence the upcoming midterm elections.
- Critique of troop deployments: Unconstitutional and performative.
- Concern over military influence in midterms: Fear of suppressing or preventing voting.
In defense of these actions, Wiles stated, “This was like a vitamin boost of ICE, of the [National] Guard…with the aim of correcting the situation.” Senator Marco Rubio praised Wiles for her indispensable role, highlighting the trust she earned within Trump’s inner circle.
Legal Boundaries and Administration’s Stance
There were ongoing discussions about the administration’s legal boundaries and adherence to court rulings. When questioned about Trump’s compliance with Supreme Court decisions, Wiles showed confidence in the administration’s eventual success, despite anticipated delays.
She predicted that although the team would face obstacles, they would ultimately prevail in their objectives. The unfolding events during Trump’s second-term first year revealed both internal and external challenges, shaping the political landscape significantly.
