One Year Later: Tracking Trump’s Second-Term Agenda/ TezzBuzz/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ One year into his second term, President Donald Trump has followed through on some of his most controversial promises while others remain stalled, fading, or legally constrained. From tearing down the East Wing for a new ballroom to suggesting constitutional changes for a third term, Trump continues to defy political norms. His actions have reignited debates about presidential power, legality, and America’s global posture.
Trump’s Jaw-Dropping Second-Term Promises: Quick Looks
- Demolished East Wing to make room for a private donor-funded White House ballroom.
- Accepted a Qatari Boeing 747 as future Air Force Oneraising ethical questions.
- Pushed for annexation of Greenlandappointing a U.S. envoy despite Danish resistance.
- Ordered design planning to reopen Alcatraz for immigration detainees.
- Floated 50-year mortgages and slashing income taxes in favor of tariff revenue.
- Backed away slightly from threats of military action in Iran, Colombiaand Mexico.
- Suggested creating a Golden Dome missile defense program by 2029.
- Oversaw renaming efforts at the Kennedy Center and Department of Defense.
- Promoted “Trump Gold Cards” as a path to legal status for wealthy immigrants.
- Proposed controversial ideas like making Canada the 51st state and turning Gaza into a resort.
- Publicly mused about seeking a third presidential termdespite constitutional limits.
- Advocated for Pete Rose’s reinstatement and pushed for Rush Hour 4’s release.
Deep Look: Tracking Trump’s Most Audacious Promises One Year Into Term Two
WASHINGTON (AP) — One year into his historic second term, President Donald Trump has transformed many of his jaw-dropping campaign promises into real-world policy — and continues to push others that defy legal, diplomatic, or political precedent. From controversial immigration proposals to cultural branding initiatives, Trump’s first year back in office has tested constitutional boundaries and further reshaped the presidency in his image.
Here’s a comprehensive review of where Trump’s most eye-popping pledges stand as of January 2026:
In Progress: Promises Actively Pursued
1. New Air Force One from Qatar
In May, U.S. defense officials accepted a luxury Boeing 747 jet from Qatarearmarked as the future Air Force One. Despite ethical questions and constitutional concerns, the aircraft is being retrofitted in Texas. Costs could near $1 billionfar surpassing Trump’s promised $400 million. It’s unlikely the aircraft will be fully operational before his term ends in 2029.
2. Greenland Annexation Attempts
Following the U.S.-led removal of Venezuelan President Nicolás MaduroTrump renewed efforts to acquire Greenland from Denmark. He appointed Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry as U.S. envoy, likening it to the Louisiana Purchase. Denmark firmly rejected any suggestion of cession, warning of NATO and geopolitical consequences.
3. Reopening Alcatraz for Immigration Detention
Trump has revived plans to reopen Alcatraz to detain undocumented immigrants. Federal officials, including Bureau of Prisons Director William K. Marshall IIItoured the island in July. Engineers are reportedly assessing feasibility and logistics, though no inmates have been relocated yet.
4. 50-Year Mortgages
Trump proposed extending home mortgages to 50 years as a housing affordability solution. While economists warn it could stunt equity building, the White House is still advocating for it. More tangible progress has come from federal purchases of $200 billion in mortgage bonds to reduce interest rates.
5. Autopen Investigation into Biden
Trump’s DOJ is investigating Joe Biden’s use of the autopena mechanical signing device also used by previous presidents, including Trump himself. A House GOP-led committee claims misuse during Biden’s first term.
Faded or Stalled: Promises Losing Momentum
1. Making Canada the 51st State
Trump’s once-loud push to absorb Canada into the U.S. has quieted. Prime Minister Mark Carney dismissed the idea, saying “Canada is not for sale.” Trump rarely mentions it now.
2. Migrant Detentions at Guantanamo Bay
Between February and June, about 500 migrants were briefly held at Guantanamofar short of the promised 30,000 detainees. Legal, logistical, and cost issues have nearly shelved the idea.
3. Gaza Strip Resort Plans
Following the Israel-Hamas war, Trump floated an idea to turn Gaza into a Mediterranean resort, displacing the Palestinian population. The concept was universally condemned, and even Trump has stopped mentioning it.
4. Fort Knox Inspection with Elon Musk
Trump publicly suggested that Elon Musk would inspect Fort Knox’s gold reserves. No visit occurred, and Musk has since distanced himself from the administration.
5. Tariff Revenue Rebate Checks
Trump’s claim that tariffs would fund $2,000 checks for Americans hasn’t materialized. Revenue from tariffs — $289 billion in 2025 — is being diverted to various spending priorities like defense and deficit reduction, with nothing left for public rebates.
Legally Constrained: The Third Term Question
Trump has openly toyed with the idea of a third termin defiance of the 22nd Amendmentwhich bars any person from being elected more than twice. While publicly acknowledging the constitutional limit, he continues to stir speculation by saying things like “I’m not sure” and calling for a “constitutional movement” to challenge term limits. For now, his inner circle acknowledges it’s not legally viable.
Completed or Near Completion: Promises Delivered
1. White House Ballroom Construction
The East Wing was demolishedand construction of a new White House ballroom is underway. The project, now estimated at $400 millionis reportedly being funded by Trump and private donorsthough transparency around funding remains murky. Trump aims to complete the venue before the end of his term.
2. “Trump Gold Cards” Immigration Program
In December, Trump launched the “Gold Card” programoffering a path to U.S. residency for those paying $1 million (individuals) or $2 million (corporations). A $15,000 fee covers background screening. The program replaces the EB-5 visa and has drawn both investor interest and legal scrutiny.
3. Renaming the Department of Defense
In September, Trump signed an order to rename the Department of Defense the “Department of War.” Congressional approval is required for it to take legal effect.
4. Kennedy Center Renaming Vote
Trump loyalists on the Kennedy Center board voted to append Trump’s name to the venue. Although the center’s official name remains unchanged (as it’s codified by Congress), the vote triggered lawsuits and artistic boycotts.
5. Reducing Chinese Influence in Panama
Trump’s team pressured Hong Kong-based operators to sell their stakes in Panama Canal portsciting national security. Panama withdrew from China’s Belt and Road Initiativeand U.S.-Panama defense coordination increased in April after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s visit.
In Motion: What’s Still Developing
1. Golden Dome Missile Defense
Trump envisions a $175 billion missile defense systemdubbed the “Golden Dome,” with weapons stationed in space. The system is unlikely to be operational before 2029, though limited capabilities may come online within Trump’s second term.
2. Military Threats to Iran, Colombia, and Mexico
After the operation to remove Maduro, Trump turned his attention to other nations. He threatened military intervention in Colombiaaccused Mexico of being cartel-run, and warned Iran about violent crackdowns on protesters. However, he has since softened his toneparticularly after diplomatic contacts with Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro.
3. Cuba on the Brink
Trump insists Cuba is nearing collapseespecially following Venezuela’s political shift. He’s suggested that Cuba must “make a deal before it’s too late,” though what such a deal entails remains unclear.
Cultural Promises and Symbolism
1. Pete Rose and the Hall of Fame
Trump backed the late Pete Rose’s posthumous campaign for Hall of Fame induction. Though MLB lifted Rose’s ban, the decision now lies with the Classic Baseball Committeewhich won’t convene until at least 2027.
2. ‘Rush Hour 4’
After personal lobbying from Trump, Paramount greenlit Rush Hour 4reviving the Jackie Chan–Chris Tucker franchise. The film is expected to release in 2027. Trump reportedly leaned on Larry Ellisona major donor and co-owner of Paramount, to make the deal happen.
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