US President Donald Trump’s first year in office has been marked by bold initiatives, controversial policies and a mix of fulfilled and unfulfilled promises. From toppling foreign leaders to reshaping domestic politics, Trump has repeatedly tested the limits of political norms.
Trump oversaw the reception of a luxury Boeing 747 from Qatar as Air Force One. The plane is being retrofitted in Texas to meet US safety standards at a cost estimated at between $400 million and $1 billion. While Trump originally promised completion within six months, officials have indicated it may not be operational until after his term ends in January 2029.
2. Foreign policy and territorial ambitions
Following the US military removal of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, Trump renewed efforts to assert US influence in Greenland, calling them strategically critical. Denmark strongly rejected any US takeover.
He attempted to reshape US-Cuba relations after Venezuela and proposed large-scale interventions in Mexico, Panama, and Gaza, although most plans remain unimplemented.
3. Immigration and border policy
Trump proposed housing 30,000 “worst criminal aliens” at Guantanamo Bay; the number held there peaked at 500 before declining.
He also considered reopening Alcatraz as an immigration detention center. The project remains in the early stages.
4. Economic measures and tariffs
Trump has proposed extending mortgage terms from 30 to 50 years to improve housing affordability. He proposed revenue from customs duties to fund payments to Americans of $2,000, although actual collections were insufficient. Customs promises to cut taxes remain largely unfulfilled.
5. Defense and missile programs
Trump unveiled plans for the Golden Dome missile defense system, a $175 billion program that aims to put US weapons in space by 2029.
Controversial or broken promises
1. Speculation of the third period
Despite the U.S. Constitution banning more than two terms, Trump has publicly speculated about a possible third term and proposed a “constitutional movement” that would allow it.
2. Extreme foreign intervention
Proposals to turn Gaza into a “Riviera of the Middle East” and assert control over Canada were never implemented and widely rejected internationally.
Gold inspections at Fort Knox with Elon Musk never happened.
3. Domestic symbolic projects
Demolition of the east wing and construction of the $400 million ballroom continues, with claims for private funding partially undisclosed.
Trump has pushed to rename the Defense Department the War Department and add his name to the Kennedy Center, both of which require congressional approval.