By Burnett Munthali

Donald Trump’s first few days as the 45th President of the United States in January 2017 were marked by a whirlwind of executive actions, political controversies, and an immediate shift in America’s domestic and foreign policy direction. As a political outsider who had never held public office before, Trump’s transition into power was unconventional, with an aggressive focus on fulfilling campaign promises, defying political norms, and challenging the media.

His first days in office set the tone for what would become one of the most polarizing presidencies in U.S. history. From his inaugural address to his early executive orders, Trump’s approach was defined by nationalism, economic protectionism, and a confrontational attitude toward both domestic and international critics.

Trump was inaugurated on January 20, 2017, delivering a speech that sharply departed from the hopeful and unifying rhetoric of his predecessors. Instead, he painted a dark image of America, referring to “American carnage” caused by crime, economic struggles, and weak leadership. His speech resonated with his core supporters but was criticized for its pessimistic tone.

Almost immediately, Trump became embroiled in a controversy over the size of the crowd at his inauguration. Photos comparing his audience to that of former President Barack Obama’s 2009 inauguration went viral, showing a noticeably smaller turnout. The Trump administration, particularly then-Press Secretary Sean Spicer, insisted that Trump’s inauguration had drawn the largest crowd in history, despite clear photographic evidence to the contrary. This dispute marked the beginning of Trump’s combative relationship with the media, which he would later brand as the “enemy of the people.”

Trump wasted no time in implementing his agenda, signing a series of executive orders within his first few days in office. Some of the most consequential included:

Withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP): Fulfilling a key campaign promise, Trump pulled the U.S. out of the TPP, a major trade deal negotiated by the Obama administration. He argued that such agreements hurt American workers and promised to pursue bilateral trade deals instead.

Reinstating the “Global Gag Rule”: Trump reinstated this Reagan-era policy that blocks U.S. funding for international organizations that provide or discuss abortion services, a move praised by conservatives but condemned by human rights activists.

The “Muslim Ban”: One of the most controversial early actions was the executive order restricting travel from seven predominantly Muslim countries: Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen. The move sparked nationwide protests at airports and was immediately challenged in court, leading to legal battles that defined much of Trump’s presidency.

Keystone XL and Dakota Access Pipelines: Trump reversed Obama-era policies by signing executive orders to revive these oil pipeline projects, arguing that they would create jobs and boost energy independence. Environmental activists strongly opposed the decision.

Trump’s early days in office saw an unprecedented war with the press. His administration introduced the concept of “alternative facts” when then-Counselor to the President Kellyanne Conway defended false claims about the inauguration crowd size. This signaled a shift in how the White House would handle the media—by challenging facts, dismissing critical reports as “fake news,” and using social media, particularly Twitter, to bypass traditional media channels.

Trump doubled down on his anti-immigration stance, directing federal agencies to begin planning the construction of a border wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. He insisted that Mexico would pay for it, though this claim was widely disputed. His administration also increased immigration enforcement, leading to fears of mass deportations among undocumented immigrants.

Trump’s foreign policy approach quickly became clear—he was focused on “America First,” often at the expense of long-standing alliances. Some key early moves included:

Tensions with Mexico: Trump’s insistence that Mexico would fund the border wall led to diplomatic tensions with Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto, who canceled a planned meeting with Trump.

Relations with Russia: Trump’s unusually warm stance toward Russian President Vladimir Putin raised eyebrows, especially given allegations of Russian interference in the 2016 election. However, his administration also faced scrutiny over potential ties between Trump associates and Russian officials.

Criticism of NATO and the European Union: Trump called NATO “obsolete” and criticized European leaders for not contributing enough to defense spending. His skepticism toward international alliances unsettled traditional U.S. allies.

The first few days of Trump’s presidency were also marked by internal disarray within the White House. Reports emerged of confusion among staff, leaks to the press, and a lack of coordination.

One of the first major scandals involved National Security Adviser Michael Flynn, who was accused of misleading the administration about his contacts with Russian officials. Although Flynn would not resign until February, the controversy highlighted the internal struggles within Trump’s team early on.

Despite political turmoil, financial markets responded positively to Trump’s presidency in its early days. Investors were optimistic about his promises of deregulation, corporate tax cuts, and infrastructure spending. The stock market surged, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average crossing 20,000 points for the first time in history.

Trump’s presidency also sparked immediate resistance. The day after his inauguration, the Women’s March took place across the United States and globally, drawing millions of participants protesting against Trump’s policies on women’s rights, immigration, and healthcare. The protests marked the beginning of a deeply divided political climate that would persist throughout his presidency.

In conclusion, Donald Trump’s first few days in office were a clear indication that his presidency would be unlike any other in modern U.S. history. His rapid-fire executive orders, combative relationship with the media, and nationalist policy approach signaled a dramatic departure from previous administrations.

While his supporters saw these actions as proof that Trump was fulfilling his campaign promises, his critics viewed them as reckless and authoritarian. His early days in power set the foundation for a presidency marked by deep political divisions, legal battles, and an ongoing struggle between his administration and the traditional political establishment.

Ultimately, Trump’s first few days in office revealed a leader determined to upend the status quo, redefine presidential norms, and aggressively push his agenda—regardless of controversy or opposition. The consequences of these early decisions would shape both his legacy and the political landscape of the United States for years to come.