Donald Trump updates: World on edge as US president takes office

Donald Trump updates: World on edge as US president takes office

Key Updates on Trump’s Presidency and Rising Global Tension

1. Expanded Authority in Washington, D.C.

On August 25, 2025, Trump issued an executive order vastly expanding the role of the National Guard nationwide, granting Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth authority to establish a 600-member rapid-response force poised in Alabama and Arizona to counter civil unrest. Critics decry it as overreach and a threat to civil liberties. The Washington Post
Earlier this month, Trump applied Section 740 of the D.C. Home Rule Act, assuming federal control of the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department and deploying federal law enforcement and National Guard troops amid claims of rampant crime—even though statistics show crime is at a 30-year low. WikipediaAl Jazeera
With schools reopening in D.C., the presence of armed National Guard personnel near institutions has alarmed parents and city officials. Rumors of checkpoints and arrests have heightened anxiety. AP News

2. Crackdown and Broad Executive Actions

Trump signed sweeping executive orders granting sweeping powers to federal authorities and launching a crime crackdown. He even said Americans “maybe… like a dictator,” remarks that fueled comparisons to authoritarianism. The Daily Beast
Simultaneously, he announced plans to fire Lisa Cook, a Federal Reserve governor, citing alleged mortgage fraud—an unprecedented push that could ignite a legal battle over the Fed’s independence. The GuardianReuters

3. Diplomacy and Foreign Assertions

Trump claimed significant involvement in quelling a potential India–Pakistan conflict, asserting seven fighter jets were downed and that he threatened both sides with a “100% tariff” to avert nuclear escalation. The Times of India

4. Additional Notable Developments

Additional press attention focused on Trump's controversial remarks and actions, such as mocking Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker’s weight, drawing a sharp retort. The Guardian

Summary Table

Category	Latest Developments
Domestic Security	Federal control of D.C. police, expanded National Guard, armed patrols, parental alarm.
Executive Power Expansion	Creation of rapid-reaction force; strong attitudes toward civil unrest enforcement.
Federal Reserve Conflict	Attempts to remove Governor Lisa Cook; legal implications for central bank autonomy.
Foreign Policy Moves	Involvement in India–Pakistan tensions; tariff threats to prevent escalation.

Let me know if you'd like deep dives into any of these areas—legal challenges, civil liberties implications, budget impacts, global reactions—or the unfolding international ramifications.