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See our Fox News exclusive and follow the conversation on social media here.

You can also see our recap of Biden’s top foreign policy failures here.

TIMELINE:

  1. Reinstating the Remain in Mexico Policy (January 20): Just minutes into his inauguration speech, President Trump announced executive actions to reverse the damage of the Biden-Harris border crisis, including the restoration of the ‘Remain in Mexico’ policy.  The move directed the Department of Homeland Security and the Attorney General to require asylum seekers to wait in Mexico for their cases to be processed, rather than be released without vetting into the homeland.
  2. Ending Catch and Release (January 20): President Trump also ended “catch-and-release,” Biden’s misguided policy allowing migrants to stay in the U.S. until their immigration court hearing dates–often years in the future–and releasing many dangerous illegal aliens into American communities.  Between January 20 and April 1, only 9 illegal aliens were released in the United States, a staggering 99.9% decrease from the 184,000 released into the country under Biden during the same period last year.
  3. Re-Designating Cuba as a State Sponsor of Terrorism (January 20): On day one, the White House rescinded Biden’s last-minute removal of the Cuban regime’s terrorist designation.  Secretary Rubio called on the regime to end its support for terrorism and to “stop providing food, housing, and medical care to foreign murderers, bombmakers, and hijackers, while Cubans go hungry and lack access to basic medicine.”
  4. Withdrawing from the Paris Agreement (January 20): President Trump reversed the Biden Administration’s decision to rejoin the climate deal despite its many flaws.  Even under highly favorable assumptions and with strict enforcement and immediate implementation, the agreement was projected to reduce global temperatures in 2100 by a mere 0.17 degrees Celsius.  Correctly, the Trump Administration noted that the Paris accord would impose major burdens on U.S. economic growth and job opportunities.
  5. Re-Listing the Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (January 22): President Trump redesignated Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, reversing the weak Biden policy enabling unprecedented attacks against maritime vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.  The move showed the Trump Administration’s refusal to tolerate terrorism from Iran’s Axis of Resistance and commitment to re-establishing deterrence in the Middle East.
  6. Ending Woke USAID Programs (January 24): The Trump Administration reined in USAID’s capture by progressive activists, DEI initiatives, and radical social agendas by cutting dozens of wasteful programs and bloated bureaucracy within the agency.  These moves helped ensure taxpayer dollars weren’t spent on ideological pork projects and reoriented aid to align with national interests.
  7. Countering Petro’s Political Grandstanding (January 26): After Colombian President Petro refused to allow U.S. planes carrying illegal Colombian migrants to land, President Trump immediately ordered 25% tariffs on Colombian exports, and threatened to double them if Petro didn’t stand down.  He also announced a travel ban and that visas of Colombian officials would be rescinded.  Petro immediately caved, agreed to accept migrants “without limitation or delay,” and even offered to send his own presidential plane to transport the deportees.  The row showed the world there would be heavy consequences for refusing to accept deportation flights from the United States.
  8. Signing the Laken Riley Act into Law (January 29): The first signed bill of the second Trump term, Sen. Katie Britt’s legislation mandated the federal detention of illegal immigrants accused of theft, burglary, assaulting a law enforcement officer, and other serious crimes.  The measure provided a common-sense change to ensure violent criminals and gang members would not be released into American communities.  The Laken Riley Act was named after a Georgia nursing student killed by a Venezuelan alien arrested and paroled into the U.S. under the Biden Administration.
  9. Using Guantanamo Bay as a Migrant Detention Facility (January 29): In a White House memo, President Trump announced plans to use a migrant holding facility at the U.S. naval base in Guantánamo Bay to house up to 30,000 deported criminal migrants.  The facility, which sat unutilized for years, would be used as a waystation to house high-priority criminal aliens until they could be returned to their countries of origin.
  10. Approving the Re-Creation of the Cuba Restricted List (January 31): Secretary Rubio restored a list of “restricted entities” to prohibit transactions with companies controlled or acting at the behest of the Cuban military, intelligence, or security services.  The move showed the Trump Administration would not allow Cuba’s Communist regime to accrue resources and regain its economic footing while oppressing and surveilling the Cuban people.
  11. Securing the Release of American Hostages in Venezuela (January 31): Special Missions Envoy Ric Grenell returned from Caracas having secured six American hostages previously detained by the Maduro regime.  Their successful release provided an early signal of the Trump Administration’s focus on repatriating Americans detained abroad against their will and facing down repressive regimes in the Western Hemisphere.
  12. Beginning Diplomacy in the Americas (February 1): Unlike any of his predecessors for over a century, Sec. Rubio began his tenure at the State Department with a cross-regional trip in Latin America, sending a powerful message about President Trump’s focus on the Western Hemisphere.  During his visit, the Trump Administration secured measures to reset regional cooperation, including breakthrough migration agreements with El Salvador and Guatemala, enhanced law enforcement coordination, and streamlined U.S. assistance.
  13. Securing the Release of Keith Siegel (February 1): The Trump Administration secured the release of Keith Siegel, an American held by Hamas since October 7, 2023, or 480 days.  Siegel is from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and was violently taken from his home along with his wife, who was freed earlier in the conflict.  Keith was reunited with his family upon being released from Gaza City.
  14. Striking ISIS Terrorists in Somalia (February 1): In his first military action since returning to office, President Trump ordered precision military air strikes on ISIS operatives, eliminating them without causing harm to civilians.  Following the strike, he sent an unmistakable message to ISIS and other terrorists in the region plotting attacks on Americans: “We will find you, and we will kill you!”
  15. Welcoming Netanyahu for First Foreign Leader Visit (February 4): While liberals insisted the Trump Administration was taking a sledgehammer to U.S. alliances, President Trump welcomed Prime Minister Netanyahu as the first foreign leader to visit the White House in his second term.  The visit showed it was the Trump White House that was rebuilding U.S. relationships in the Middle East after hostility and attacks under Biden.  Our “Alliance Management 101 Cheat Sheet” sets the record straight.
  16. Withdrawing from the U.N. Human Rights Council (February 4): Noting that the U.N. was not “living up to its potential,” President Trump reversed Biden’s misguided decision to rejoin the U.N.’s anti-Semitic Human Rights Council, which has passed more resolutions condemning Israel than all other countries combined and includes the likes of China and Cuba as members.
  17. Prohibiting UNRWA Funding (February 4): President Trump also prohibited U.S. taxpayer dollars from going to the Hamas-linked UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) due to its ties to the “pay to slay” program and complicity in the October 7 attack.  The move was a major contrast from the Biden-Harris Administration, which ignored these concerns and gave UNRWA a whopping $1.2 billion of U.S. taxpayer dollars, bankrolling Hamas’ terror ally.
  18. Reimposing Maximum Pressure on Iran’s Regime (February 4): President Trump restored his first-term policy against Iran to deny its regime a nuclear weapon, drive its oil exports to zero, neutralize its terror network, and counter its weapons development.  His memo directed the Treasury Secretary to impose “maximum economic pressure” on the regime via sanctions and other mechanisms–measures that have denied the regime billions of dollars, as it received under the Biden Administration.
  19. Breaking Military Recruitment Records (February 5): Following President Trump’s re-election, the Army announced it shattered prior recruitment numbers and had the most productive December in 15 years.  The Navy and Air Force subsequently hit their recruitment goals months ahead of schedule.  Those trends were a major contrast with the Biden Administration, under which most military branches were unable to meet enlistment goals and suffered some of their worst recruitment outcomes in decades.
  20. Seizing Maduro’s Plane in the Dominican Republic (February 6): During Secretary Rubio’s visit to Santo Domingo, the Trump Administration increased pressure on Venezuela’s regime by seizing a second plane belonging to Maduro.  The plane had been used by Maduro and top aides to visit Cuba, Russia, Turkey and elsewhere in violation of U.S. sanctions.
  21. Launching a “Joint Venture” for Alaska’s LNG Project (February 7): At the White House with Japan’s Prime Minister, President Trump announced a U.S.-Japan “joint venture” to accelerate development of the Alaska LNG Project.  The initiative was a major step to unleashing Alaska’s resource potential and fast-tracking permitting.  Alaska Sen. Dan Sullivan and Gov. Mike Dunleavy applauded President Trump for recognizing the project’s unique advantages for U.S. energy and our Asia-Pacific allies.
  22. Accelerating Aid to Israel (February 8): Following Prime Minister Netanyahu’s visit to Washington, the State Department signed off on a military sale of $7.4 billion to Israel to improve Israel’s ability to counter Hamas and speed an end to the war.  The sale, which included $6.75 billion in bombs, guidance kits and fuses, as well as $660 million in Hellfire missiles, re-affirmed the Trump Administration’s commitment to arming America’s allies as they face down terrorism.
  23. Designating Cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (February 20): Secretary Rubio announced the State Department was designating Tren de Aragua, MS-13, Cártel de Sinaloa, Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación and other murderous drug cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations.  These transnational organizations have conducted violent attacks, kidnappings, extortion, bribery, targeted assassinations, smuggling, and other dangerous actions–not least of which was making and smuggling deadly fentanyl into the United States, causing hundreds of thousands of overdose deaths.  The new designations gave the Trump Administration new tools to target the cartels, including sanctions, asset freezes, and legal leverage.
  24. Expanding Visa Restrictions for Backers of Cuba’s Forced Labor Scheme (February 25): The Rubio State Department expanded visa restrictions on Cuban officials and others abetting the communist regime’s overseas medical mission programs, which exploit Cuban workers, include elements of forced labor, and deprive Cubans of essential medical care.  The move showed the United States firmly opposes Cuba’s human trafficking and stands with Cuba’s doctors who are treated like property of the state.
  25. Ending Biden’s Arms Embargo on Israel (March 1): Reversing Biden’s decision to withhold weapons from Israel during its war with Hamas, the Trump Administration approved $4 billion in military assistance under the Arms Export Control Act.  The package helped replenish Israel’s munitions to militarily degrade Iran, Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis and strike their assets in the region.
  26. Curbing Chinese Influence on the Panama Canal (March 4): Following the Trump Administration’s push to curb Beijing’s influence over the Panama Canal, BlackRock agreed to purchase 90 percent of the Panama Ports Company from Hong Kong–based CK Hutchison, removing a major PRC-linked operator from both sides of the canal.  The U.S. takeover of Hutchison’s global port holdings was a major win for the Trump Administration in demonstrating Chinese influence over the critical maritime chokepoint would not be tolerated.
  27. Capturing the Top Abbey Gate Terrorist (March 5): In his address to Congress, President Trump announced the arrest of the top ISIS-K terrorist responsible for murdering 13 U.S. soldiers at Abbey Gate during the fall of Kabul in August 2021.  His capture was a moment of justice for the Gold Star families who lost loved ones in the attack and the start of accountability for Biden’s shameful withdrawal from Afghanistan.
  28. Expelling South Africa’s Ambassador (March 14): After South African Ambassador to the U.S. Ebrahim Rasool accused President Trump of mobilizing a white supremacy movement during a Johannesburg seminar, Sec. Rubio swiftly declared him persona non grata, stating that he was “no longer welcome” in the United States and ordered him to leave the country.  The expulsion showed the Trump Administration would not tolerate rogue diplomats disrespecting America’s leadership.
  29. Making the Houthis Weak Again (March 15): President Trump ordered large-scale military strikes against dozens of Houthi targets in Yemen to free one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes and impose heavy consequences on Iran’s terrorist proxy.  The operation followed over 350 incidents of Houthi maritime aggression since October 7, 2023 and Biden’s complete failure to deter Houthi piracy and terror.  The Houthis announced they would stop attacks on Israel and shipping in the Red Sea.
  30. Unveiling the F-47 (March 21): At the White House, President Trump and Secretary Hegseth announced the F-47, the first ever sixth generation fighter jet.  President Trump noted that it would be “the most advanced, most capable, most lethal aircraft ever built.”  The fighter is part of the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program, intended to maintain U.S. aerial dominance and deter America’s adversaries via historic investments in the U.S. military and the defense industrial base.
  31. Achieving a 99% Drop in Crossings Through the Darien Gap (April 11): As a result of President Trump’s crackdown on illegal immigration, migrant crossings through the once-overrun and dangerous Darien Gap reportedly plummeted 99 percent.  This February, only 408 migrants were recorded crossing the treacherous Panamanian jungle path, compared to the peak of 37,166 in February 2024 under Biden.  The revelation was a major vindication of the Trump Administration’s border security efforts.
  32. Eliminating the Pentagon’s DEI Bureaucracy (April 17): A new report confirmed that the Defense Department had eliminated all diversity, equity, and inclusion positions in compliance with President Trump’s executive orders, finalizing a process initiated by Congress in the 2024 defense authorization law.  With the DEI apparatus dismantled, President Trump delivered on one of his signature campaign promises and refocused the Pentagon on warfighting readiness, merit, and rebuilding an efficient and effective civilian workforce.
  33. Fast-Tracking Permitting for Domestic Mining Projects (April 18): In response to President Trump’s order to increase U.S. mineral production, the Interior Department took steps to streamline permitting processes for critical minerals infrastructure projects.  The permitting process, which can stretch to a decade for a single mine, has been a major barrier to unlocking America’s mineral wealth and reducing reliance on Communist China’s rare earth exports.  Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s efforts to address this gridlock were vital for bolstering U.S. mineral production.
  34. Arresting Violent Illegal Migrants (April 29): In the first 100 days of the Trump Administration, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested 66,463 illegal aliens, three out of four of whom were criminal illegal aliens threatening public safety and national security.  This included 2,288 gang members from gangs such as Tren de Aragua, MS-13, and 18th Street, as well as 1,329 illegal aliens accused or convicted of sex offenses, and 498 accused or convicted of murder.
  35. Preventing Illegal Immigration (April 29): Within his first 100 days, the Trump Administration achieved record immigration enforcement, removing tens of thousands of criminal illegal aliens.  Earlier this month, the White House also reported zero illegal immigrants were released into the U.S. over the past six months and that encounters at the Southern Border fell by nearly 80 percent compared to last year.
  36. Securing a Critical Minerals Deal with Ukraine (April 30):  The Trump Administration struck a major economic deal with Ukraine securing U.S. access to valuable critical minerals in Ukraine.  The U.S. and Ukraine agreed to jointly invest in developing Ukraine’s vast natural resource reserves, with profits shared equally.  The deal also established the United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund, which counts future U.S. military aid toward America’s financial contribution.  The critical minerals deal was a mark of the Trump Administration’s creative strategy toward the conflict and reaffirmed its commitment to Ukraine’s freedom and prosperity.
  37. Advancing the Largest Military Budget in U.S. History (May 2): The Trump Administration released the first trillion-dollar defense budget for FY2026, a vital deposit on America’s military readiness after years of dangerous cuts and hollow rhetoric under Biden.  The investment demonstrated the Administration’s recognition that Biden-era budgets won’t meet U.S. defense needs on shipbuilding, missile defense, our forward posture in the Indo-Pacific, and more.
  38. Securing the Rescue of Venezuelan Opposition Members (May 6): After a successful rescue operation, Sec. Rubio announced that Venezuelan opposition members in Caracas had been freed and arrived on U.S. soil.  For over a year, the hostages had sheltered in Argentina’s embassy in Caracas to avoid arrests by the Maduro regime.  The operation showed the Trump Administration’s determination to help Venezuela’s pro-democracy opposition and strong partnership with Argentina’s Milei government.
  39. Conducting the Largest Fentanyl Bust in U.S. History (May 6): Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that U.S. authorities, led by the DEA, seized over 400 kilograms of fentanyl and arrested sixteen people in a record-shattering operation.  The drug seizure was a major blow to the Sinaloa Cartel and a victory for the Trump Administration in the fight against fentanyl and drug trafficking.
  40. Banning Affirmative Action at Military Academies (May 9): Secretary Hegseth barred all U.S. military service academies from considering race, gender, or ethnicity in admissions, fully implementing a merit-based system.  Per his directive, admissions processes must ensure that only the most capable applicants are selected.  The move follows the Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling on affirmative action and showed the Trump Administration’s commitment to upholding the highest standards at America’s elite warfighting institutions.
  41. Helping Broker a Ceasefire Between India and Pakistan (May 10): After India’s retaliatory missile strikes on Pakistan and the Pahalgam terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir, Secretary Rubio and Vice President Vance conducted intensive overnight diplomacy to prevent the conflict from spinning out of control.  President Trump announced a ceasefire between the two nuclear superpowers the next morning.  The Trump Administration’s intervention helped avoid a dramatic escalation that could have resulted in a full-scale war.
  42. Freeing Edan Alexander from Gaza (May 12): After 584 days in Hamas captivity, Edan Alexander was freed from Hamas and reunited with his family in Tenafly, New Jersey.  His release was a testament to Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and the Trump Administration’s tireless efforts to bring every hostage home from Gaza.  Edan was the last living American hostage in Gaza prior to his return.
  43. Securing Major Deals in President Trump’s Middle East Trip (May 13-16): In his first trip to the region of his second term, President Trump secured major deals with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, including investment commitments, economic exchanges, and commercial and defense agreements.  These included a $600 billion pledge from Saudi Arabia covering energy, infrastructure, critical minerals, AI, as well as the creation of a major AI campus in the UAE.  The deals marked a new era of partnership between the United States and the Gulf.
  44. Launching the Golden Dome Initiative (May 20): Following a sobering DIA report warning that America faces the most dangerous missile environment in its history, President Trump unveiled a three-year plan to build the Golden Dome, a next-generation missile-defense shield designed to protect the U.S. homeland from ballistic, cruise, and hypersonic threats.  The Golden Dome is a historic investment in national defense and reflects the Trump Administration’s commitment to ensuring the homeland is never left vulnerable as adversaries field increasingly lethal long-range weapons.
  45. Blocking the U.N. Security Council’s Attempt to Appease Hamas (June 4): Showing the Trump Administration would never bow to performative U.N. politics, the U.S. vetoed an anti-Israel resolution that failed to condemn Hamas, disregarded Israel’s right to self-defense, and did not even call on terrorists to disarm.  The vote was a major contrast from the Biden Administration, which caved to international pressure and refused to veto a similar resolution that failed to condemn Hamas for October 7 or tie a ceasefire to the release of hostages.  
  46. Sanctioning the International Criminal Court (June 5): The State Department sanctioned four ICC judges for abuse of power and their politicized efforts to target the U.S. and Israel.  Two of those officials had ruled to authorize the ICC to issue arrest warrants for Prime Minister Netanyahu and Israel’s former Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant.  The action showed the Trump Administration would never accept ICC jurisdiction over the United States and would not hesitate to defend America’s sovereignty against the Hague.
  47. Securing U.S. Military Bases in Greenland (June 11): Denmark’s Parliament overwhelmingly approved legislation allowing U.S. military bases on Danish soil, a victory for President Trump in enhancing America’s strategic presence in the Arctic.  The move expanded prior agreements and vindicated the Administration’s focus on Greenland, a mineral-rich and geopolitically vital territory with emerging sea lanes that cannot be allowed to fall under Russian or Chinese control.
  48. Striking Iran’s Nuclear Facilities with B-2s (June 22): In one of the most daring military campaigns in modern history, President Trump ordered the U.S. military to strike the heart of Iran’s nuclear program with bunker buster bombs.  The operation shattered not just Iran’s nuclear enrichment facilities but decades of myths pushed by the Iranian regime’s apologists and escalation alarmists.  President Trump’s bold decision showed that America would not tolerate nuclear extortion and that conservatives stand by Peace Through Strength policies.
  49. Getting NATO Allies to Commit to Five Percent Defense Spending (June 25): At the NATO Summit in the Hague, allies pledged to raise their defense spending to five percent of GDP by 2035–a dramatic increase from the two percent benchmark.  The announcement was a massive win for President Trump, who demanded that European nations carry their fair share of the security burden.  It was also a major rebuke to the media, which insisted for months the Trump Administration would destroy NATO.  Instead, President Trump is strengthening it.
  50. Brokering a Peace Agreement to End the War in Congo (June 27): Thanks to the Trump Administration’s mediation, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda signed an agreement to end decades of conflict, which has killed over six million and displaced millions more.  While many obstacles to peace remain, the deal was a historic diplomatic achievement for President Trump in the Great Lakes region, which was largely neglected by the Biden Administration.
  51. Blocking Progressive Efforts to Shield Iran from Future Strikes (June 27): After President Trump’s historic bombing of Iran’s nuclear program, Senate Republicans soundly defeated Tim Kaine’s reckless War Powers stunt aimed at tying America’s hands and shielding Iran’s nuclear program.  The vote sent a clear message that Congress would not kneecap U.S. security while Tehran still pursues a nuclear bomb.
  52. Tightening Travel Restrictions on Cuba (June 30): The White House reversed other Biden appeasement policies toward the island, including ramping up enforcement on the U.S. tourist travel ban, opposing calls by the U.N. to end the embargo, and blocking business with a Cuban military-run conglomerate owning hotels on the island.  The move deprived the regime of hard currency from American tourism and showed the Trump Administration would have the Cuban people’s back in their fight for freedom.
  53. Passing the One Big Beautiful Bill (July 4): The landmark law didn’t just cut taxes and enhance America’s energy dominance–it made the largest border security investment in history and included $150 billion for national defense.  The legislation–ushered through Congress by House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune–provided $29 billion for shipbuilding, $25 billion for the Golden Dome, $25 billion for munitions and supply chain, and billions more for technological innovation, nuclear deterrence, and Indo-Pacific security.
  54. Sanctioning Leading U.N. Anti-Semite Francesca Albanese (July 9): Secretary Rubio imposed sanctions on U.N. Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese for aiding the International Criminal Court’s illegitimate efforts to investigate and prosecute U.S. and Israeli nationals.  Albanese has a long record of anti-Semitic rhetoric, support for terrorism, and threats toward the United States and Israel.  The move made clear the Trump Administration will not tolerate the U.N.’s lawfare campaigns and Albanese’s anti-Semitic antics.
  55. Selling NATO Weapons for Ukraine (July 14): President Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte developed an arms deal for Ukraine to get more U.S. weapons–and for Europe to pay for it.  The new mechanism was aimed at supplying Ukraine with “top-of-the-line” weapons via NATO stockpiles, with the U.S. providing replacements.  The measure included $652 million in Foreign Military Sales to strengthen Kyiv’s defenses against Russian attacks and place additional pressure on Putin to end the war.
  56. Crushing Efforts to Cut Israel’s Aid in Congress (July 18): By a margin of 422–6, the House overwhelmingly defeated an amendment from Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene to cut Israel’s military aid.  The vote was a major show of support for Israel’s security and President Trump’s policy–a major contrast from Biden’s efforts to withhold aid and weapons from our closest ally in the Middle East.
  57. Withdrawing from UNESCO (July 22): The State Department informed the Director-General of the U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization that the U.S. would be withdrawing, reversing Biden’s decision to re-join UNESCO.  The organization has a long history of advancing divisive social causes, promoting anti-Israel speech, and has even elevated the status of “Palestine” to a member state.
  58. Securing a Major Settlement with Columbia University (July 24): After months of negotiations and several investigations, Columbia agreed to pay over $200 million to the U.S. government and accepted measures to curb anti-Semitism on campus in exchange for a resumption of federal funding.  The deal, which was the largest anti-Semitism related settlement in American history, was a notable victory for the Trump Administration in holding taxpayer-funded institutions accountable for discrimination and harassment against Jewish students.  The settlement followed a disturbing pattern of anti-Israel behavior on campus abetted by foreign agents and bankrolled by Hamas’ international allies.
  59. Delivering Over 100 Million Meals to Gaza (August 1): The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, backed by the Trump Administration and Israel, delivered over 100 million free meals directly to the Palestinian people in Gaza in two months.  The Foundation was instrumental in denying Hamas’ efforts to steal food from the people of Gaza and getting life-saving assistance to innocent civilians.  It also helped bypass the U.N. as the main supplier of aid to the region, a vital step given its aggression toward Israel, politicization of aid, and inability to stop Hamas from diverting aid.
  60. Doubling the Bounty for Maduro to $50 Million (August 7): In a video announcing the decision, Attorney General Pam Bondi stated the U.S. government would provide a $50 million reward for information leading to the arrest of Nicolás Maduro, one of the world’s largest narco-traffickers and cartel leaders.  Evidence has linked him directly to Tren de Aragua and the Sinaloa Cartel.  The move showed the Trump Administration would not tolerate his narco-terrorist regime’s efforts to flood the United States with narcotics and destabilize the Americas.
  61. Brokering the Armenia-Azerbaijan Peace Pledge (August 8): At the White House, Armenia’s Prime Minister and Azerbaijan’s President signed a historic declaration to end the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.  The two leaders also signed economic agreements with the United States unlocking opportunities for the South Caucasus region in trade, transit, energy, infrastructure, and technology, while creating new opportunities for U.S. businesses in the region.  The agreement called for the withdrawal of Russian defensive forces from the border and the construction of the Trump transit route to link Azerbaijan through Armenia and let trade and transit bypass Russia and Iran.  
  62. Greeting Putin with a Show of Force in Alaska (August 15): At the Alaska Summit, President Trump welcomed Putin to America by flying F-35s and a B-2 bomber directly over his head.  The flyover–which included the same type of bomber and fighter jet used to strike Iran’s nuclear sites in June–was a reminder of America’s military might to the former KGB leader ahead of negotiations over Russia’s war in Ukraine.
  63. Revoking Student Visas from Criminals and Terrorism Backers (August 19): Ahead of the academic year, the State Department announced it had revoked over 6,000 student visas for law violations and support for terrorism.  About 4,000 of the visas were revoked due to visa overstays, assault, DUIs, and burglary, while 200-300 of those whose visas were rescinded engaged in support for terrorism, including fundraising for Hamas.
  64. Getting Taiwan to Increase Defense Spending (August 21): Thanks to pressure from the Trump Administration, Taipei announced plans to boost its defense spending by a fifth in 2026, surpassing three percent of GDP.  In doing so, Taiwan also became the first non-NATO country to align itself with the Alliance’s new five percent pledge.  The investments will be critical for Taiwan’s military to deter aggression from the CCP, which unveiled a 7.2 percent increase in its own defense spending in March.
  65. Securing Snapback Sanctions on Iran (August 28): In a major diplomatic victory, the Trump Administration convinced France, Germany, and the United Kingdom to trigger a U.N. Security Council process reimposing sanctions on Iran.  The move came after Iran refused to abide by its nuclear commitments and the West attempted months of diplomacy to give Tehran a chance to give up its strategy of extortion and escalation.
  66. Terminating UNIFIL’s Mandate (August 28): After extensive negotiations, the Trump Administration secured an end to Lebanon’s failed peacekeeping force–known as the U.N. Interim Force in Lebanon–at the U.N. Security Council.  The measure, which directed the force to cease operations by the end of next year, was a major win in cutting the U.N.’s bloated and inefficient peacekeeping apparatus and positioning the Lebanese Armed Forces to disarm Hezbollah and assume responsibility for the country’s security.
  67. Deporting Illegal Migrants with Criminal Histories (August 29): ICE reported to have deported tens of thousands of illegal aliens with criminal histories since President Trump’s return to office, including 47,885 with charges or convictions for assault, 16,552 for sexual assaults and offenses, and 2,699 for homicides.  237 of the individuals removed were known or suspected terrorists, and eight were human rights violators.
  68. Revoking Visas for Palestinians Officials before UNGA (August 29): Sec. Rubio refused to grant visas to Mahmoud Abbas and other Palestinian leaders, preventing them from addressing the annual U.N. gathering in New York.  It was the first time the U.S. barred an entire delegation from attending the General Assembly.  Calling them out for  “undermining prospects for peace” and failing to “consistently repudiate terrorism,” the Trump Administration demonstrated it would not allow Palestinian leaders to undercut President Trump’s efforts to broker the Gaza accords and end Hamas’ war on Israel.
  69. Neutralizing Drug Boats off Venezuela’s Coast (September 1): For nearly three months, the U.S. has fought maritime drug trafficking in the Caribbean Sea with airstrikes on vessels operated by designated narcoterrorists groups, including Tren de Aragua and the National Liberation Army.  Operation Southern Spear has underscored the Trump Administration’s commitment to defending the homeland from the influx of fentanyl and other illicit drugs ravaging American communities.
  70. Building the Border Wall (September 2): A centerpiece of his campaign, President Trump made building hundreds of miles of new barriers and integrating cutting-edge technology along the Southern Border a top priority.  Using leftover funding from his first term and new appropriations from the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” Customs and Border Protection has worked to build over 100 miles of wall while planning for hundreds more.
  71. Restoring the Department of War (September 5): In his 200th executive order since taking office, President Trump renamed the Defense Department to the Department of War to sharpen its focus and signal America’s readiness to wage war to secure its interests.  During the announcement, Sec. Hegseth astutely noted that “we changed the name after World War II from the Department of War to the Department of Defense–and we haven’t won a major war since.”
  72. Vowing to “Defend Every Inch” of NATO (September 10): After Russian drones violated Polish airspace, U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker stated unequivocally that the Trump Administration stands by America’s NATO allies and “will defend every inch of NATO territory.”  Amb. Mike Waltz echoed these comments after Russia’s violation of Estonia’s airspace, noting that “Russia must urgently stop such dangerous behavior” and that Russia must “seek ways to de-escalate–not risk expansion” of its war in Ukraine.  Under President Trump, NATO favorability increased to its highest point in years, with a ten percent jump among Republicans.
  73. De-Certifying Colombia as a Drug Control Partner  (September 15): In a memo to Congress, President Trump accused the Petro government of  “failing demonstrably” to uphold its drug control responsibilities.  Secretary Rubio subsequently announced the U.S. would not certify Colombia’s counternarcotics efforts for the first time in almost thirty years.  The Treasury Department also imposed sanctions on Petro, his wife, son, and Colombia’s Minister of Interior for their involvement in the global illicit drug trade.
  74. Revoking Petro’s Visa for Inciting Violence (September 26): After Colombian President Petro called on U.S. soldiers to disobey lawful orders, attacked President Trump as “an accomplice to genocide” in Gaza, and urged the world to respond “with weapons” against the U.S. and Israel, the State Department took away his visa due to his “reckless and incendiary actions.”  The row was a major embarrassment for Colombia’s leftist government, which also recalled its ambassador, leaving Bogotá without senior diplomatic representation in Washington, D.C.
  75. Securing a Gang Suppression Mission in Haiti (September 30): The U.N. Security Council approved the Trump Administration’s resolution to deploy an international security mission with 5,500 members to neutralize criminal gangs terrorizing Haiti.  The measure not only offered the people of Haiti hope but showed the Trump Administration would not tolerate a failed state run by terrorist gangs exporting crime, violence, drugs, and unleashing a migration crisis on America’s shores.
  76. Approving Military Aid for Disarming Hezbollah (October 2): The Trump Administration approved a $230 million package to Lebanon’s Security Forces to help them disarm Hezbollah and assert Lebanese sovereignty.  The package reaffirmed America’s commitment to helping Beirut take on Hezbollah and showed the United States will not tolerate Hezbollah’s ability to operate freely on Israel’s border.
  77. Getting the U.N. to Slash Wasteful Peacekeeping Budget (October 8): After pressure from Ambassador Mike Waltz on Secretary General Antonio Guterres, the U.N. caved to the Trump Administration’s demands, agreeing to slash its failed peacekeeping force by 25 percent and its funding by 15 percent.  The win was a major contrast from the Biden Administration, which handed billions of taxpayer dollars to the U.N. without conditions or accountability.
  78. Brokering the Gaza Accords (October 8): In arguably his greatest diplomatic achievement since returning to office, President Trump brokered the Gaza peace plan between Israel and Hamas, securing an immediate ceasefire and the return of all surviving hostages from Hamas.  The deal, brokered with the help of Special Envoy Steve Witkoff as well as Jared Kushner, also called for prisoner exchanges, the Gaza Strip’s demilitarization, an international stabilization force, transitional governance under international supervision, large-scale reconstruction, and a conditional pathway toward Palestinian self-determination and statehood.  
  79. Reaching a Historic Icebreaker Deal with Finland (October 9): President Trump reached a critical agreement with Finnish President Stubb and Prime Minister Orpo for the United States to purchase new icebreaker ships for the U.S. Coast Guard to protect American interests in the Arctic.  The move will help reassert American maritime dominance in the region and spur opportunities for domestic shipbuilding.  The initiative built on the ICE Pact, a partnership between the United States, Finland, and Canada to step up icebreaker development, construction, and delivery.
  80. Delivering a Historic Speech at the Knesset (October 13): After brokering the Gaza deal, President Trump addressed Israel’s parliament as Hamas released all twenty living hostages.  He called for the “dawn of a new Middle East” and said “it’s time to translate these victories against terrorists on the battlefield into the ultimate prize of peace and prosperity for the entire Middle East.”  Prime Minister Netanyahu praised Trump, noting that “no American president has ever done more for Israel.”  The historic speech was a clear moment of triumph for the United States and Israel following the Gaza accords.
  81. Aiding Milei’s Economic Reforms in Argentina (October 14): The Trump Administration authorized an economic lifeline to help calm Argentina’s currency crisis and show U.S. support for free-market reforms.  The move preceded key legislative elections, in which Milei won decisive victories enabling the continuation of his free-market policies.  The planned measure, which includes a $5 billion repurchase facility to help Argentina meet its upcoming $4 billion debt payment, will cement Argentina’s alignment with the United States over China and America’s close partnership with the Milei government.
  82. Defeating a Global Carbon Tax (October 17): Thanks to a forceful diplomatic campaign, the Trump Administration stopped a U.N.-backed global carbon tax that would have imposed sweeping costs on American consumers, shippers, and energy producers.  Sec. Rubio had warned that the United States would impose consequences on governments advancing the “European-led neocolonial export of global climate regulations.”  The row showed the Administration would not hesitate to defend U.S. economic interests and sovereignty against global tax regimes and U.N. boondoggles.
  83. Bringing 76 Americans Home From Captivity (October 21): Since the beginning of the second Trump presidency, the State Department reported a total of 76 Americans were returned to the United States after being unjustly detained overseas.  This includes Americans held hostage, wrongfully detained, or held under concerning circumstances in Afghanistan, Russia, Belarus, Kuwait, and elsewhere.
  84. Brokering the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord (October 26): On the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit, President Trump mediated a ceasefire agreement between Cambodia and Thailand.  After months of escalating artillery exchanges, displacement, and mounting civilian casualties, the two sides agreed to resolve the dispute peacefully, establish border observer teams, withdraw weapons, restore diplomatic ties, and more.  Although challenges to peace remain, brokering the deal was a major step toward stabilizing Southeast Asia’s most volatile border crisis.
  85. Locking In Wins at the ASEAN Summit (October 26): President Trump secured a sweeping package of economic and security gains at the ASEAN Summit.  He and Malaysia’s Prime Minister announced billions in new purchases of U.S. energy, aircraft, semiconductors, and telecommunications equipment and expanded cooperation on critical minerals and maritime security.  With Thailand, the President secured commitments to enhance cyber and financial crime cooperation, bolster supply chain resilience, and more.  These outcomes reaffirmed America’s commitment to Southeast Asia and were a major contrast from Biden and Harris’ embarrassing visits to the region.
  86. Exposing the U.N. for Appeasing Communist Cuba (October 29): As Turtle Bay gathered for its annual anti-American embargo vote, Amb. Mike Waltz slammed the United Nations for appeasing the Cuban regime with “political theater” and debunked its myths about the “blockade” on the island. He also exposed Cuba for sending thousands of troops to fight for Russia in the war in Ukraine. As a result, Argentina, Israel, Ukraine, Paraguay, Hungary, and others joined the U.S. in refusing to support the U.N. resolution.
  87. Securing U.N. Support for Peace in Morocco’s Western Sahara (October 31): After U.S. pressure, eleven of fifteen U.N. Security Council countries voted for an American resolution backing Morocco’s Western Sahara sovereignty–a key pillar of President Trump’s Abraham Accords expansion.  The vote was the strongest international endorsement yet of the Trump Administration’s position on the region and showed widespread support for Rabat’s plan as the basis for negotiation.
  88. Confronting Attacks on Christians in Nigeria (November 5): In response to religious genocide against Christians in Nigeria, President Trump threatened to halt all aid to Nigeria and deploy U.S. troops, ordering the Pentagon to prepare for possible military action.  The State Department also designated Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) for engaging in severe religious freedom violations.  These actions showed the Trump Administration’s commitment to supporting religious freedom and facing down radical Islamic groups in Nigeria, where more Christians are killed every year than the rest of the world combined.
  89. Blocking Efforts to Protect Drug Trafficking from Strikes (November 6): Senate Republicans decisively defeated a War Powers resolution aimed at preventing President Trump from continuing U.S. strikes on Venezuelan narco-traffickers.  The resolution could have forced the Administration to wait for congressional authorization, rather than continue its strikes against drug-smuggling vessels.
  90. Modernizing America’s Defense Pipeline (November 7): The Pentagon launched the most sweeping overhaul of America’s defense acquisition and arms-transfer system in decades, with Secretary Hegseth unveiling a new enterprise procurement strategy and a series of reforms to accelerate Foreign Military Sales and rebuild an “arsenal of freedom.”  The initiative–which built on reforms passed by the House Foreign Affairs Committee under the leadership of Chairman Brian Mast–marked a major step forward toward stabilizing demand signals, expanding production lines, and ensuring U.S. weapons remain the world’s gold standard and restoring America’s competitive edge in great-power competition.
  91. Getting Syria to Join the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS (November 10): During al-Sharaa’s visit to DC, the White House announced that Syria would be the 90th country to join the global coalition, aimed at eliminating the remaining elements of the Islamic State.  The move underscored Syria’s potential to transition from a source of terrorism to a U.S. counterterrorism partner in the Middle East.
  92. Revoking Biden’s Ban on Drilling and Mining in Alaska (November 13): The Trump Administration allowed oil and gas drilling in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska, the largest single tract of U.S. public land which comprises 23 million acres in the North Slope.  The move undid the Biden Administration’s development restriction and returned the reserve to prior regulations.  Secretary Burgum noted the move would “unlock Alaska’s energy potential, create jobs for North Slope communities and strengthen American energy security.”
  93. Approving Defense Package for Taiwan (November 13): The Trump Administration approved a $330 million arms sale to Taiwan, the first of President Trump’s second term.  The sale includes spare parts for fighter jets and transport aircraft, as well as U.S. technical and logistics support.  Taipei hailed the move as a strong signal of continued U.S. support for Taiwan’s self-defense.  The package reaffirmed President Trump’s commitment to helping the island defend against an invasion or attack by Communist China.
  94. Restoring Public Safety in D.C. (November 14): Within 100 days of President Trump’s National Guard deployment, crime data indicated that 6,150 violent fugitives were arrested and 600 illegally possessed firearms were seized.  Year-on-year, murders reportedly decreased by 60 percent, robberies by 50 percent, and carjackings down 70 percent.  By helping revitalize our nation’s capital, the Trump Administration helped restore America’s image as it hosts heads of state, diplomatic negotiations, and prepares for major events including the Semiquincentennial and the FIFA World Cup.
  95. Backing Legislation to Sanction Russia’s War Machine (November 16): President Trump announced his support for Senate Republicans to advance Sen. Lindsey Graham’s bill to sanction Russia and step up pressure on Putin to end the war in Ukraine.  The legislation, which has over 80 Senate co-sponsors, will give him the ability to place secondary sanctions on China, India, and others who buy Russia’s oil and gas from Russia and cut off the cash flow Russia rakes in from energy exports–a move designed to force Putin to choose between ending the war and economic hell to pay.
  96. Winning U.N. Consensus on Trump’s Gaza Plan (November 17): After a major diplomatic campaign, the Trump Administration got the U.N. Security Council to back its Gaza resolution by a vote of 13 to zero, with Russia and China even withholding their veto.  The peace plan calls for the creation of an international security force and provides an international legal framework for the next phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire.  The vote marked a rare moment of consensus on Gaza from the international community and a major victory for the Trump Administration at the United Nations.
  97. Strengthening America’s Partnership with Saudi Arabia (November 18): With the Crown Prince’s White House visit, President Trump finalized landmark deals and secured almost $1 trillion in Saudi investment commitments for the United States.  The Commerce Department also approved the sale of AI chips to Saudi and Emirati companies–a step toward anchoring the region to America’s tech stack and diminishing Chinese influence in the region.  The Administration also secured cooperation deals on civil nuclear, critical minerals, AI, and defense–all of which will create high-paying American jobs, strengthen our supply chains, and reinforce stability in the Middle East.  
  98. Restoring Merit at the State Department (November 19): Secretary Rubio ordered restitution for nearly 300 employees who were denied promotions under the Biden Administration’s DEI litmus tests.  An internal review had found that 295 Foreign Service officers were marked down last year for failing to “seek diversity in staff,” a mandatory criterion that downgraded otherwise high-performing diplomats.  The move showed the Trump Administration’s commitment to putting merit and excellence at the center of America’s diplomatic corps and rooting out misguided ideological priorities.
  99. Brokering the First Israeli-Lebanese Talks in 40 Years (December 3): The Trump Administration achieved direct talks between Israel and Lebanon for the first time since 1983.  The meeting, which brought together senior officials to address Hezbollah’s aggression along the border, marked a rare moment of direct engagement between two states and showed the Trump Administration’s success in advancing security by convening warring parties.
  100. Strengthening U.S. Strategy in the Western Hemisphere (December 5): The White House released its National Security Strategy, marking the most significant hemispheric reorientation of U.S. foreign policy in decades.  The strategy made clear the Trump Administration’s commitment to countering dictatorships across the Americas, maintaining border security, countering malign foreign influences, and dismantling narco-terrorist networks.  It also underscored the Trump Administration’s firm belief that foreign policy starts at home, as POLARIS National Security has long argued.

The Trump Administration and conservatives in Congress are leading America’s foreign policy comeback.  Just as Biden’s failures showed that weakness creates war, President Trump is proving once again that strength delivers peace.  In 2025, America started winning again–and the best is yet to come.