Donald Trump’s actions and inflammatory remarks during the early months of his second presidential term have raised profound concerns among women, people of color, and their allies. Upon assuming office for a second time, he wasted little time in implementing executive orders aimed at dismantling established diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, alongside rolling back transgender rights.
In January, Trump’s directives to terminate DEI and affirmative action programs prompted widespread job cuts across both public and private sectors, fundamentally shaking the journalism industry as well. His controversial order to stop gender-affirming care for youth under the age of 19 caused distress among many families seeking to maintain essential healthcare for their transgender children. Another directive tasked Vice President JD Vance with cutting federal funding for Smithsonian projects that emphasize race, while he also sought to suppress Indigenous history by revising the name of Denali back to Mount McKinley. Trump’s enforcement of mass deportations has further fractured family units across the country.
In addition to his sweeping federal policy changes, Trump’s rhetoric throughout the year has been characterized by xenophobic, racist, and sexist statements made during speeches, press conferences, and on his social media platform, Truth Social.
In January 2025, Trump described conditions in Palestine, suggesting an alternative relocation for Palestinians while referencing the area as a “demolition site.” His comments touched on systemic issues surrounding race, where he claimed that diversity initiatives at the FAA were an impediment to competence in the workforce.
On immigration, Trump has expressed disdain for various nations, labeling them as “shithole countries” and asserting that the U.S. should prioritize immigrants from more affluent nations. His alarming musings regarding deportations included the phrase, “I love the smell of deportations in the morning,” showcasing his advocacy for strict immigration enforcement.
In his treatment of women, Trump’s dismissive comments about public figures and journalists alike were pointedly derogatory, labeling them as “nasty,” “ugly,” and indirectly attributing their critiques to personal failures. Such rhetoric has drawn significant ire and may contribute to a cultural atmosphere that normalizes hostility toward women in political discourse.
The broad implications of Trump’s actions and words during this term signal a troubling trend toward exclusionary policies and divisive language, stirring anxiety among marginalized groups who fear the erosion of rights and representation. The persistent attention to these issues highlights the urgent need for advocacy and the reinforcement of values promoting inclusivity and respect for all individuals. As we navigate this complex political landscape, many remain hopeful for a return to policies that promote equity and harmony rather than division and strife.