The Trump presidency was a whirlwind — marked by controversy, bold decisions, and an unrelenting media spotlight. From sweeping immigration policies to a relentless battle with the press, his time in office reshaped America’s political landscape. Here’s a look back at some of the most significant, and at times shocking, moments from Donald Trump’s four years as the 45th President of the United States.
The Inauguration: A Start Like No Other
Donald Trump’s presidency kicked off with something as seemingly simple as crowd size. His inauguration speech ended with a bold promise to “make America great again.” This should have been the start of the Trump era, but shortly after the event, Trump’s press secretary made headlines by claiming the event had “the largest audience to ever witness an inauguration, period.” Immediately, we found ourselves in a world where “alternative facts” entered the political lexicon.
A Travel Ban That Set the Tone
Weeks into his presidency, Trump pushed forward with a controversial travel ban, which barred people from several predominantly Muslim countries from entering the U.S. Despite widespread protests — with chants of “Donald Trump has got to go!” — the administration insisted this wasn’t a “Muslim ban.” The move set the tone for what would be a defining characteristic of Trump’s time in office: executive decisions generating national debates over both policy and principles.
Comey, Russia, and the Special Counsel
The firing of FBI Director James Comey was perhaps one of the most significant bombshells early into Trump’s presidency. Seemingly tied to the ongoing Russia investigation, Trump described Comey as both a “showboat” and a “grandstander.” Shortly after this, Special Counsel Robert Mueller was appointed to take over the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. These events laid the groundwork for years of speculation, tension, attacks on the credibility of the investigation, and, of course, the introduction of the term Trump would repeat over and over: “witch hunt.”
Charlottesville and the Nation’s Divide
One of the most contentious points of Trump’s presidency was his response to the violence in Charlottesville, where white nationalists clashed with counter-protesters. The rally unveiled chants of “You will not replace us!” — a grotesque reminder of deep-seated racial divisions in the country. Trump’s remark that there were “very fine people on both sides” drew national outrage and became a pivotal moment in discussions about race, extremism, and how the administration approached these delicate issues.
Tax Cuts, “Shithole Countries,” and More Controversy
As 2017 wrapped up, Trump passed significant tax cuts, with him claiming it was a victory for “American families.” However, the headlines quickly shifted when he allegedly questioned why the U.S. was accepting immigrants from “shithole countries.” The controversy surrounding this statement was swift, with detractors labeling it as further proof of Trump’s racist leanings. In the background of a turbulent news cycle, his administration also faced scrutiny for accusations of hush money payments, shifting attention to the ongoing Stormy Daniels scandal.
The Border Crisis and the Wall
Perhaps Trump’s most persistent campaign promise was the wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. His administration tightened immigration policies, sparking outrage over the treatment of illegal migrants at the border. The separation of children from families and reports of poor conditions led to widespread protests. Meanwhile, Trump doubled down, insisting that “a country without borders is not a country at all.” This culminated in the longest U.S. government shutdown in history, as Democrats and Republicans clashed over border security.
Mueller Report: No Collusion, No Obstruction?
After years of investigation, the Mueller report finally dropped. Special Counsel Robert Mueller refrained from deciding if Trump had committed a crime, but the report did not clear him of obstruction of justice either. This declaration fueled conversations for months, though Trump continuously labeled it as a victory, repeating his mantra that there was “no collusion, no obstruction.” Like much of his presidency, even this seemingly decisive moment left the nation polarized.
Impeachment: Round One
In late 2019, Trump faced his first official impeachment inquiry. Sparked by a phone call with Ukraine’s president, Trump was accused of pressuring a foreign leader to investigate Joe Biden, Trump’s political rival. “The call was perfect,” Trump said, defending his actions. Yet, this led to the House voting to impeach him for abuse of power. In early 2020, the Senate acquitted him, but the damage to his legacy was done — or so many thought.
COVID-19 Pandemic: Mask or No Mask?
The outbreak of the COVID-19 virus in early 2020 reshaped not only Trump’s presidency but the world. Initially, Trump minimized the virus’s significance, stating, “We have it totally under control,” and even predicting it would “go away” on its own. However, as the pandemic worsened, medical professionals sounded alarms, urging aggressive measures. States shut down, millions became jobless, and hospitals were overwhelmed. Trump’s hesitance over masks and push to reopen the economy further divided the public, even after he himself tested positive for COVID-19.
George Floyd Protests and Racial Reckoning
Against the backdrop of COVID-19, the nation was rocked by the death of George Floyd. His death during an arrest by Minneapolis police officers led to massive protests across the country. People rallied in the streets, demanding justice and sweeping changes to police policies. Trump’s handling of the situation — famously holding a Bible in front of a church after police cleared protesters near the White House — drew criticism for being tone-deaf and divisive. These protests highlighted ongoing racial tensions that had only deepened during his term.
Election 2020: “Stop the Steal” and Capitol Riots
The 2020 election was the final climax of Trump’s presidency. He refused to accept the results, claiming the election was rigged despite multiple recounts and court decisions affirming Joe Biden’s victory. Encouraged by Trump at a Washington rally, a mob stormed the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, leading to chaos, violence, and deaths. The unprecedented attack on the Capitol shocked the world. Trump’s role in the insurrection led to his second impeachment — this time with bipartisan support in the House. However, just like the first time, he was acquitted in the Senate.
Conclusion: A Presidency That Changed American Politics Forever
Trump’s presidency was undeniably historic, but not just because of the policies he enacted. It was how he shattered conventions, making almost everything that happened during those four years a national spectacle. His confrontations with the media, the courts, his own administration, and the public left an indelible mark on U.S. politics. Whether you view his time in office as a success or a failure, Donald Trump changed America and undoubtedly left the country in a very different place than where it started.
