Trump’s Second Term at Six Months: Tax Wins, Iran Strikes, and Border Triumphs

President Trump has marked six months back in the Oval Office, and what a whirlwind it’s been. From domestic policy overhauls to bold moves on the global stage, the second Trump administration has hit the ground running, delivering on promises with a speed that could make even the fastest racecar blush.

Let’s start with the domestic front. Trump’s "One Big Beautiful Bill" passed both chambers of Congress just in time for his self-imposed Fourth of July deadline. Signed into law with a grand White House ceremony, this landmark legislation locks in permanent tax breaks for individuals and businesses from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, while tossing in new deductions for tips and overtime pay. It’s a win for workers and corporations alike, though critics are already questioning the long-term fiscal impact.

Then there’s the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), briefly led by Elon Musk before he returned to the private sector. DOGE’s proposed spending cuts became law with a $9 billion package, slashing funds for USAID and public broadcasting. Trump’s brief spat with Musk over social media was a sideshow, quickly brushed aside as the president moved on to bigger battles.

On the international scene, Trump ordered precision strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities in June, hitting critical infrastructure with devastating accuracy. Iran’s retaliatory attack on a U.S. air base in Qatar, coupled with threats from Ayatollah Khamenei of more to come, has escalated tensions. A nuclear deal deadline looms in August—if Iran doesn’t comply, U.N. sanctions could snap back into place. It’s a high-stakes chess game, and Trump’s not blinking.

Closer to home, border security has seen historic lows in crossings, with CBP reporting just over 25,000 encounters in June. Trump’s sweeping travel ban, targeting nearly 20 high-risk countries, underscores his hardline stance. Meanwhile, trade with China remains a rollercoaster—tariffs soared to 145% before a preliminary agreement was reached, though trust between the two powers seems as fragile as ever.

From declassifying records on the Trump-Russia probe to investigating Biden’s last-minute pardons, the administration is digging into past controversies with a vengeance. And let’s not forget the grand parade for the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday—a prelude to America’s own big 250th celebration next year.

Six months in, Trump’s second term is a mix of bold policy, international brinkmanship, and a relentless drive to reshape the nation’s trajectory. Whether you’re cheering or jeering, there’s no denying the energy coming from the White House.