It was a year ago that Americans surprised the world when they elected the unlikely Republican candidate, Donald J Trump, as president. Initially, it seemed like Donald Trump the presidential candidate would transition into Donald Trump the president, shedding his irresponsible statements, often racist and divisive comments, and even his controversial promises, such as a ban on Muslims entering the country.
His opponents were encouraged by his inauguration speech, which was calm, moderate, and appeared reconciliatory.
But as it turns out, that was all wishful thinking.
Barely a week into his presidency, Trump issued an executive order effectively regulating—and even banning travellers—from seven Muslim countries. Though Pakistan was not among the listed countries, he did warn of stricter visa requirements.
The order resulted in nationwide protests and was temporarily blocked by a judge in New York. Within a couple of days, the Trump administration’s first casualty struck. Attorney General Sally Yates was fired by the US president on January 30, when she declined to defend the ban in court.
Trump had barely completed two weeks in office when the slightly modified travel restrictions were again blocked by the courts.
Still embroiled in the ban fiasco, reports of national security advisor Micheal Flynn’s unauthorised communications with Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak surfaced.
Wanting to nip the issue in the bud for misleading vice president Mike Pence, the Trump administration’s second casualty came before it completed a month in office, with Flynn being fired.
Not one to get side-tracked so easily within six weeks of the initial order being issued, on March 6 Trump issued yet another revised ban which he claimed was within the boundaries set by the federal court. The revised ban quickly set matters into motion, causing panic at airports.Days later, Trump fired Preet Bharara, US attorney for New York’s Southern District, who had refused to comply with an order to resign.
March ended with the resignation of Katie Walsh, deputy for White House chief of staff Reince Preibus. She claimed her reasons had to do with Trump’s initial failure to back a healthcare bill.
Dominoes continued to fall when on May 9, FBI Director James Comey was fired in a surprise move by Trump. It is important to mention here that Comey was handling the case of confidential emails of Hillary Clinton, which had surfaced just days before America voted on November 8, 2016. Some believe it cost Clinton the election. Later Trump admitted his administration’s links with Russia, which is accused of swaying the election in Trumps favour.
The travel ban was once again in the news when, on June 26, the Supreme Court allowed parts of the ban to be implemented. Six Muslim countries remained on the list after Iraq was removed. Exceptions were granted for travellers with direct ties to a person or entity in the United States, including students already given admission into a university or people with job offers.
On June 27, President Donald Trump met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Washington, after which he declared the Hizbul-Mujahideen and Jaish-e-Mohammad as terrorist organisations. Trump hurled a barrage of allegations against Pakistan, telling Islamabad to ‘do more’ to find the culprits behind the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, the Pathankot incident, and cross-border attacks.
The announcement was seen by many as Trump leaning towards India and away from Pakistan.
Trump accepted Modi’s invitation to India which would make him the fourth successive US president to visit the country after Bill Clinton, George Bush, and Barack Obama.On the American front, Walter Shaub Jr resigned as director of the office of government ethics director on July 6, claiming that Trump’s conflicts of interest were putting the US at risk.
The Trump administration was struck for a seventh time with Sean Spicer’s resignation, after Anthnoy Scaramucci was brought in as communications director on July 21.
A week later, on July 28, White House chief of staff Reince Priebus was forced out and replaced by Homeland Security secretary General John Kelly.
Barely completing 10 days in his position as communications director, Anthony Scaramucci was fired on July 31. Reasons for his termination were unconfirmed.
On August 18, Steve Bannon was removed as White House chief strategist, ending his highly contentious career with the Trump administration. He was replaced by John Kelly.
On August 21, once again adopting a terse tone towards Pakistan, Trump again said that the US would no longer allow ‘safe havens for terrorists’.
Although he didn’t announce cutting off military aid, as many had expected, Trump did not mince his words either, accusing Pakistan of playing a double game.
“We have been paying Pakistan billions and billions of dollars at the same time they are housing the very terrorists that we are fighting,” he claimed.
Photo of Canadian-American couple Joshua Boyle and Caitlan Coleman with their children in Taliban captivity.
On October 12, The US president thanked Pakistan for the recovery of American citizen Caitlan Coleman, her husband Joshua Boyle, and their three children from Taliban captivity.
Trump, however, claimed the successful operation meant Pakistan was ‘honoring’ his wishes to ‘do more’.
“This is a positive moment for our country’s relationship with Pakistan. The Pakistani government’s cooperation is a sign that it is honoring America’s wishes for it to do more to provide security in the region.”
