It seems that not a day goes by without a fresh headline about Donald Trump — the man who remains, even in his second term, the most polarising figure on the global stage. Whether you support him or not, few can deny that Trump’s recent decisions are causing ripples far beyond the borders of the United States. Some say he’s shaking up an old world order in need of change; others argue he’s destabilising systems that have maintained global peace, however fragile, for decades.
Here, we take a closer look at some of his most controversial moves so far — and what they might mean for the world.
1. The Middle East in Turmoil: Gaza Relocation Proposal
In what many are calling one of his most startling proposals yet, President Trump suggested relocating Gaza’s entire population — approximately two million Palestinians — to neighbouring Egypt and Jordan. His plan, reportedly backed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, was pitched as a bold way to “change history” and allow for the redevelopment of the Gaza Strip.
The response? Immediate and fierce rejection.
Arab nations, international observers, and human rights organisations swiftly condemned the idea, with Gaza’s leadership labelling the proposal “ridiculous and absurd”. The proposal flies in the face of international law and UN resolutions on the rights of displaced people and the sovereignty of Palestinian territory.
The plan also comes at a delicate moment when European countries such as Ireland, Spain, and Norway are formally recognising Palestinian statehood — leading Israel to suggest these nations “bear responsibility” for accepting displaced Palestinians. In such a volatile region, Trump’s words and policies are not just controversial; they could tip the balance of peace and conflict for years to come.
2. South Africa in Trump’s Crosshairs
Closer to home for many in the African diaspora, Trump’s decision to freeze future US funding to South Africa sparked alarm across the continent. His reasoning? South Africa’s newly passed land-expropriation law, which allows the state to seize land for public interest purposes, sometimes without compensation.
While the law’s intention is to address long-standing economic imbalances dating back to apartheid — not to target white landowners — Trump’s administration sees it differently. His stance echoes unfounded conspiracy theories, including those promoted by billionaire Elon Musk, that suggest a “genocide” against white farmers in South Africa — a claim repeatedly debunked by experts and the South African government.
Trump’s intervention has been criticised as unwelcome interference in a sovereign nation’s effort to address its colonial legacy — and one that could sour US-African relations for years to come.
3. Tariffs: Hitting Allies and Rivals Alike
If there’s one thing Trump consistently loves, it’s tariffs. He famously declared “tariff” as his favourite word, and he’s proving it — expanding his economic war far beyond China.
New US tariffs are now set to impact Canada, Mexico, and China, three of America’s largest trading partners. The irony? His first term was marked by renegotiating trade deals like NAFTA (now USMCA) to supposedly improve ties with Canada and Mexico — yet now he’s threatening both with broad new tariffs.
Most economists predict these tariffs will result in higher inflation and slower economic growth — bad news for American consumers and bad news for global markets. But the unpredictability of Trump’s trade moves keeps industries and governments on edge. What’s next remains anyone’s guess.
4. Targeting the International Criminal Court (ICC)
Perhaps the most alarming of Trump’s recent actions on the global justice front was his executive order imposing sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC). The move came after the ICC issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas commanders over alleged war crimes in Gaza.
The ICC — backed by the UN and based in The Hague — is meant to prosecute the worst crimes against humanity. Though neither the US nor Israel recognises its authority, Trump’s sanctions have been widely condemned as an attack on international justice itself.
The court, undeterred, issued a powerful response:
“The ICC stands firmly by its officials and remains committed to delivering justice to millions of victims worldwide.”
In the past, the ICC has held leaders from Russia, Myanmar, and the Taliban accountable for genocide, persecution, and war crimes. Now, under Trump’s shadow, the court’s independence is being tested as never before — and the consequences could reshape global law and diplomacy.
What Does This Mean for the World — and for Us?
Trump’s chaotic and unilateral style of leadership is forcing world leaders to react, reset, and rethink alliances. For communities in the UK — especially Black British communities with connections to South Africa, Palestine, and the wider African and Middle Eastern regions — these moves feel personal, not distant.
Whether it’s the future of land reform in Africa, justice for oppressed peoples in the Middle East, or the fairness of the international court system, Trump’s policies may have far-reaching impacts for generations.
As the world holds its breath to see what the next headline will bring, one thing remains clear: the old world order is shaking. Whether what comes next will be better or worse remains to be seen.
