Trump’s Second Term: DC Crackdown, 50% Tariffs, Putin Summit & New Census
Federal Crackdown in Washington, D.C. On August 11, 2025 , President Trump escalated his law-and-order agenda in the nation's capital. Invoking Section 740 of the DC Home Rule Act, he placed the Metropolitan Police under federal control and deployed 800 National Guard troops , alongside agencies like the FBI, ATF, and ICE. His goal: eradicate homelessness and crime, despite data showing a significant drop in violent crime. Tariff Tensions and Trade Turmoil Trump imposed tariffs of up to 50% on Indian imports , citing India’s Russian oil purchases. Effective August 27 , the move drew criticism from India as “selective and unfair,” raising fears of economic disruption. Summit with Putin Amid Ukraine Crisis A U.S.–Russia summit on August 15, 2025 , in Alaska will be Trump’s first face-to-face with Vladimir Putin in years, aiming for a ceasefire in the Russia–Ukraine war. Critics fear this could indirectly recognize Russian territorial claims. Reimagining the Census Trump...