Donald Trump Returns to White House After One-Year Absence Period

January 20, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Donald Trump Returns to White House After One-Year Absence Period

Here is a rewritten version of the article in a neutral newsroom style:

President Donald Trump’s First Year in Office: A Look Back

On January 20, 2025, President Trump announced his plans to usher in a “golden age” during his second term. One year has passed since he made this pledge, and significant changes have taken place.

Since returning to office, Trump has signed 228 executive orders, issued over 1,740 acts of clemency, and authorized attacks in seven foreign countries, including Iraq, Iran, Nigeria, Somalia, Yemen, Syria, and Venezuela. His administration has also seen the departure of at least 317,000 federal employees.

Presidential historians have expressed concerns about the pace and scope of these changes. Mark Updegrove, president of the LBJ Foundation, stated that Trump’s presidency will be considered one of the most consequential in history. However, he noted that this does not guarantee greatness in historical terms.

Russell Riley of the University of Virginia’s Miller Center warned of the potential “collateral damage” from these changes. He cautioned that it is difficult to predict the impact of such rapid and extensive reforms on a political system that has withstood many threats over 200 years.

Trump’s first year in office was marked by significant shifts in US foreign policy, including a retreat from US foreign aid commitments and an expansionist gaze towards war-torn Gaza. The administration also faced several legal challenges related to its deportation policies.

In April, Trump unveiled a controversial tariff agenda, which included individualized rates for certain trading partners. Critics warned that the tariffs could create higher prices for consumers and strain relations with allies.

Trump’s diplomatic tour in May marked his first major international engagement since returning to office. His first stop was Saudi Arabia, where he gathered international investments. However, critics questioned whether these efforts would have a lasting impact on US foreign policy.

Key statistics from Trump’s first year in office include:

  • 228 executive orders signed
  • Over 1,740 acts of clemency issued
  • Departure of at least 317,000 federal employees
  • Authorization of attacks in seven foreign countries

These numbers and events provide a snapshot of the significant changes that have taken place during Trump’s first year in office.

Source: Al Jazeera