In his first week back in office, President Donald Trump unveiled ambitious plans to reshape the U.S. technology landscape, focusing on artificial intelligence (AI), digital assets, and social media regulation.

AI Policies Revamped

President Trump signed an executive order on January 23 aimed at dismantling Biden-era policies that, according to the administration, hindered American innovation in AI. The order tasks officials with developing an AI action plan within six months, emphasizing systems free from “ideological bias or engineered social agendas.”

This move has sparked concerns over the future of the U.S. AI Safety Institute, an organization established under Biden to research the safe implementation of AI systems. Critics fear it may be dissolved as part of Trump’s broader rollback.

Additionally, Trump announced the formation of the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST), comprising 24 experts who will guide initiatives in AI, quantum energy, biotechnology, and autonomous systems. David Sacks, a former PayPal executive and Trump’s new “AI and crypto czar,” will lead efforts to ensure the U.S. remains a global leader in technology.

$500 Billion AI Infrastructure Investment

One of Trump’s cornerstone initiatives is a $500 billion (€476 billion) investment in AI infrastructure through a joint venture named Stargate. Partnering with OpenAI, Oracle, and SoftBank, the project will establish data centers and energy facilities in Texas.

While initially seeded with $100 billion (€95 billion), the investment could quintuple as companies like Microsoft, NVIDIA, and Arm join the effort. The Stargate initiative builds on preliminary plans from the previous administration, though Trump emphasized its expansion under his leadership.

Digital Dollar Ban and Cryptocurrency Push

In a significant financial move, Trump signed an executive order banning Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), citing risks to financial stability and individual privacy. Instead, the administration will develop a framework for stablecoins backed by the U.S. dollar and explore a national crypto stockpile.

The digital asset strategy aligns with Trump’s campaign pledge to make the U.S. the “crypto capital of the world.” The newly formed advisory committee on digital markets, chaired by Sacks, will present regulatory recommendations within six months.

TikTok Ban Postponed

Trump granted a 75-day extension for TikTok’s Chinese parent company ByteDance to secure a U.S. buyer, delaying an impending ban. While the app temporarily went offline on January 19, it has since been restored for users, though it remains unavailable on major app stores.

Potential buyers have surfaced, including a consortium led by YouTube star MrBeast and billionaire Frank McCourt’s “The People’s Bid.”

Tech Priorities on the Global Stage

President Trump’s early actions signal a strong focus on positioning the U.S. as a leader in cutting-edge technology while addressing privacy, security, and innovation challenges. As policies evolve, they are likely to shape the global tech landscape for years to come.

President Donald Trump’s return to office was marked by significant action and strong reactions, continuing the polarizing approach he exhibited on the campaign trail. Officially sworn in as the 47th president of the United States on Monday, Trump immediately signed hundreds of executive actions, many reversing policies enacted by his predecessor, President Joe Biden. His first week in office reflected his promises from the campaign, triggering both praise and concern among Americans across the political spectrum.

Inauguration Day: A Spectacle for All

The inauguration, despite challenges posed by unpredictable weather, quickly became a spectacle. While not everyone tuned in closely, nearly all had opinions on the day’s events. Some found the atmosphere strikingly similar to professional wrestling.

Kyle Plessa, 39, an independent who voted for Trump, compared the inauguration to a wrestling match, noting, “It felt like WWE, with all the boisterousness and showmanship.” In contrast, Greg Bruno, 67, a Trump supporter, applauded his symbolic gesture of throwing pens into the crowd, calling it “a show of who he really works for.”

Meanwhile, critics like Richard Weil, 74, an independent voter for Kamala Harris, described the speech as “bitter” and lacking a positive tone about America. Angela Ramos, 37, another independent Harris supporter, found Trump’s speech “disingenuous,” pointing out a disconnect between his words and actions.

Supporters Celebrate Promises Fulfilled

Trump’s supporters were enthusiastic about his swift action in office. Within days, he signed numerous executive orders addressing everything from immigration to the economy.

Larry Kees, 47, a Trump voter, expressed satisfaction with the executive actions, saying, “There were so many, I couldn’t keep track. He’s not like regular politicians who say one thing and do another.” Tony Flecklin, 69, agreed, emphasizing that Trump’s stance on issues like border protection and energy policy aligned with his expectations.

For Greg Bruno, Trump’s actions were a direct response to campaign promises, confirming why he was elected: “These orders tackle issues the American public wants addressed.”

Opposition Voices Concerns

On the other hand, Trump’s critics voiced concern about his actions, particularly his stance on climate change, health, and pardons for those involved in the January 6 Capitol riots.

Carlyn Jorgensen, 40, who voted for Harris, expressed unease about the presence of CEOs like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos at the inauguration, questioning whether the U.S. was heading toward an “oligarchy.” Angela Ramos voiced alarm over the president’s decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Accords and the World Health Organization, viewing it as harmful not only to the U.S. but also to the global community.

David Lieck, 58, a Democrat who also supported Harris, criticized Trump’s pardons, calling them “vindictive” and misaligned with national values.

A Changed President?

Both supporters and critics noted a shift in Trump’s approach as he entered his second term.

Greg Bruno observed, “He’s not under attack this time. He’s coming in as a highly experienced president, more in control.” But others, like Shantonu Mazumdar, 58, a Democrat, noted that Trump seemed “harder” and “more emboldened,” perhaps due to the support of his base.

Richard Weil, an independent voter, lamented the president’s more aggressive tone, calling him “angrier” and “bitter,” while Republican Tony Flecklin appreciated Trump’s follow-through, even if it came with a tough approach.

As Trump moves forward with his second term, his presidency remains as divisive as ever, with strong reactions from both sides of the political aisle.

M23 rebels have made significant territorial gains in recent weeks, encircling the city of Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s mineral-rich eastern region. The city, home to approximately two million people, serves as a vital hub for both security and humanitarian efforts, heightening concerns as fighting intensifies.

As clashes between M23 and government forces continue, hundreds of men, women, and children have been injured and rushed to hospitals in and around Goma. The escalation of violence has taken a heavy toll on civilians, with hospitals overwhelmed by the influx of casualties.

The United Nations reported that nine peacekeepers were injured in the fighting over the past two days, during clashes with M23 rebels in the town of Sake, located just 27 kilometers west of Goma. The town, a key route into the provincial capital, was taken by the rebels on Thursday, marking another significant victory for the armed group.

M23, a rebel group that has been active in the region for over a decade, is one of about 100 armed factions competing for control of eastern Congo’s mineral wealth. The rebels, predominantly ethnic Tutsis who split from the Congolese army, have been involved in ongoing conflict with government forces and other armed groups in the area.

In a significant blow to the Congolese government, M23 rebels killed Maj. Gen. Peter Cirimwami, the governor of North Kivu province, on Thursday. Cirimwami, who had been leading military operations in the region, was visiting troops near the front lines in Kasengezi, about 13 kilometers from Goma, when he was injured. He later succumbed to his injuries in the hospital, officials confirmed.

The violence in the region has been exacerbated by longstanding tensions along the border with Rwanda. The United Nations, DR Congo, and the U.S. have accused Rwanda of supporting M23, although the Rwandan government denies these claims. Rwanda has, however, acknowledged deploying troops and missile systems in eastern Congo to safeguard its security, citing the buildup of Congolese forces near the border.

The M23 advance has already displaced more than 400,000 people since the beginning of the year, according to the U.N. refugee agency. This displacement has worsened conditions in overcrowded camps in and around Goma, leading to a spike in cholera cases. The ongoing conflict continues to deepen the humanitarian crisis in a region already struggling with decades of instability.