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One year in: Trump's second term enters year two with fireworks
at home and abroad
14 January 2025
Next week marks one year since President Trump took office for the second time and if the first two weeks of 2026 are anything to go by, his second year is going to be equally eventful. Key moments so far include:
- 3 January | In the early hours, US forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife and indicted them for their role in “narco-terrorism.”
- 7 January | Activist and “ICE watcher” Renee Good was shot and killed by ICE agents in Minnesota, sparking nationwide protests.
- 8 January | Five Republican Senators joined Democrats to advance legislation that would require the president to get congressional approval before taking additional military action in Venezuela.
- 9 January | After suggesting the United States would take control of Greenland in the wake of capturing Maduro, on 9 January, President Trump told reporters they would “do something on Greenland, whether they like it or not.”
- 11 January | President Trump said they were considering “very strong” military options in response to the Iranian regime killing hundreds (or potentially thousands) of protesters.
- 11 January | Fed. Chair Jerome Powell spoke out against a Justice Department investigation, saying they were a “pretext.”
This all occurs as Republican’s majority in Congress shrank and another budget deadline on 30 January threatens a potential shutdown.
Internationally, a big question facing the United States and Australia this year is who will represent these key ally partners? Australians woke yesterday to news that former prime minister Dr Kevin Rudd was stepping down as Australian Ambassador to the United States in March and President Trump has yet to nominate a US Ambassador to Australia.
As America begins its 250th anniversary celebrations, it is clear that President Trump is approaching the year with a maximalist approach both at home and abroad. America’s allies have navigated this first tumultuous year, but with no sign of easing, they should be prepared for this era of an all-powerful Executive.
Mari Koeck
Director of Engagement and Impact
Lead photo: US President Donald Trump prepares to board Air Force One on 13 January 2026 at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker for Getty Images).
"Iranian Patriots, KEEP PROTESTING - TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!!"
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In the news
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CEO Dr Michael J Green spoke with ABC News' AM on US President Donald Trump's move in Venezuela, saying it will make it harder for the United States to mount diplomatic pressure on other countries if they behave in a similar way.
2SER | Trump, Venezuela and the dangerous revival of US power politics
Non-Resident Senior Fellow Bruce Wolpe spoke with 2SER on the Venezuela intervention, why it matters and the implications for Australia.
news.com.au | ‘Catastrophic’: Trump warning as America ‘tears the mask off’
Associate Professor in American Politics and Foreign Policy David Smith was quoted in the article on Stephen Miller's approach to foreign policy and the United States' perception of the world and its power.
AAP | Next US ambassador will have 'no simple task' as Kevin Rudd resigns a year early
Director of Research Jared Mondschein spoke with the AAP about the selection process for Australia's next ambassador to the United States, saying, "It’s by no means a simple task at all."
Upcoming events
PUBLIC FORUM
Securing the Indian Ocean: India-Australia maritime partnership
The Indian Ocean is fast becoming one of the world’s most geo-strategically contested maritime arenas. The region’s littoral and island states are grappling with how to respond to this strategic competition but also face multi-dimensional maritime security challenges. These, in turn, are exacerbated by climate change and other economic and social vulnerabilities.
As the two largest maritime democracies in the Indian Ocean Region, Australia and India share a stake — and responsibility — in its stability and resilience. Both countries are well-positioned to assist littoral and island states in building their governance capacities to address common maritime security challenges. They can accomplish more by working together than alone, but this is easier said than done. Key questions to address include:
- What are the most pressing maritime security challenges facing the Indian Ocean region?
- How well are India and Australia currently engaging with littoral and island states and for what purpose?
- What practical steps can they take to help partners build sustainable governance capacity?
- And ultimately, what would a truly well-coordinated India-Australia capacity-building partnership look like?
To unpack these issues, the United States Studies Centre will host a fireside chat with Rushali Saha, USSC Maitri Fellow and Dr Lavina Lee, Director of Foreign Policy and Defence at the United States Studies Centre.
28 January 2026
6.00-7.00pmAuditorium, The Michael Spence Building (F23) at the Corner of Eastern Avenue and City Road, The University of Sydney NSW 2006
Cost: Free, but registration is essential
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United States Studies Centre
Institute Building (H03)
University of Sydney NSW 2006