Trump Marks Six Months in Office With Trade Wins and Controversy

Six months into his second term, President Donald Trump is touting major victories and confronting new turbulence. The White House claims national revival with robust trade policies, while political controversy is brewing over the Epstein investigation and wavering party unity.

Trump credits his aggressive trade agenda for the country’s “total revival,” highlighting tariffs as part of a strategy to restore U.S. manufacturing and economic momentum. Emerging challenges at home and abroad, however, test his narrative daily.

Trade Wins Drive Economic Narrative

Trump’s administration enacted sweeping tariffs this year, ranging from 10% to 50% on imports from key partners, a tactic not seen since the early twentieth century. The Treasury has reported over $100 billion in tariff revenue so far, with analysts predicting that annual collections could hit $300 billion by year-end.

Major companies, including Apple and Nvidia, upped their U.S. investment pledges in response to trade pressure. The White House positions these numbers as evidence of renewed economic strength and fairer global trade practices.

Despite revenue gains, the markets have seen intense volatility. The Dow Jones dropped 11.5% over four months following the tariff announcement, highlighting the policy’s disruptive aspects before investors eventually adapted. The tariffs have prompted higher prices for some goods and inspired global retaliation but remain central to Trump’s message.

Did you know?
The U.S. Treasury collected over $100 billion in tariffs in the first half of 2025, making it one of the top sources of federal revenue for the year.

Foreign Policy: Bold Moves, Mixed Results

Trump’s second-term foreign strategy has delivered high-profile moments. The administration claims diplomatic wins in negotiating ceasefires involving Yemen’s Houthis and between Congo and Rwanda. Military strikes against Iranian nuclear sites reinforced U.S. resolve.

Nonetheless, a signature pledge ending the Ukraine-Russia war within 24 hours remains unmet. Observers suggest Trump underestimated resistance and international complexities. He recently issued Russia a 50-day ultimatum for a ceasefire, leveraging tariffs as the next step.

Epstein Controversy Fractures GOP

Controversy erupted as the administration’s limited release of Jeffrey Epstein files drew bipartisan criticism. The Justice Department denied the existence of a so-called “client list,” frustrating both Democrats and Republicans eager for transparency. Trump alternates between downplaying the scandal and chastising internal skeptics, calling some criticisms a “Democratic hoax” but acknowledging deepened party fractures.

The issue spurred congressional moves to force additional disclosure and has tested Trump’s approval ratings. Even as approval among Republicans stays above 90%, analysts view the situation as the gravest crack in the president’s support since his return to power.

ALSO READ | Trump Files $10 Billion Defamation Lawsuit Against WSJ on Epstein Letter Allegation

Party Support and Public Opinion

Trump’s overall approval remains deeply polarized: Republican support is steady, while national polls show disapproval just over 52%. Public confidence in Trump’s trade strategy remains mixed, but divisive; roughly equal numbers praise the economic boom and question its long-term impact. Issues like immigration and scandal management have seen a drop in support, contributing to a complex and fractious landscape.

Looking Ahead: A Divided Mandate

Confidence and controversy mark Trump's six-month milestone. His assertive approach to trade and foreign affairs coexists with greater scrutiny and political risk, especially as scandals threaten solidarity within the GOP. The administration's ability to maintain this delicate balance will significantly influence the next phase of his presidency, as it will impact both domestic approval and global dynamics.