How Donald Trump Transformed Millions of Lives in His First 50 Days in Office | World News

In a mere 50 days, Donald Trump has transformed our global landscape. He has dismantled established norms, criticized allies, and formed bonds with adversaries.

A nation we once trusted to support us is now perceived as an unreliable ally.

We traveled far and wide to learn how this shift impacts our lives and those of millions, from the scorching streets of Africa to the icy expanses of Greenland and the fraught border Finland shares with Russia.

Donald Trump‘s backers, both domestically and internationally, view him as a transformative figure poised to deliver peace and prosperity while prioritizing America’s interests.

However, for many others we encountered, he embodies the potential for disorder and a grim future.

Despite Mr. Trump’s intent to challenge norms and introduce new ideas, his opponents argue that he is acting too hastily and unpredictably. They contend that his initial 50 days in office have diminished America’s global standing, inviting exploitation by adversaries.

Concerns of resurgent epidemics in Kenya

Our first stop was Kenya. While the West fixates on Mr. Trump and Russia, in the developing world, the termination of US aid has become the primary concern.

On the frontlines of Africa’s battle against HIV, we heard comparisons made between Mr. Trump’s actions and an act of “biological warfare”.

Even among those who support the American president, there’s pervasive anxiety about what might follow, chiefly the resurgence of epidemics of illnesses such as HIV, TB, malaria, ebola, and polio.

In one of Nairobi’s most impoverished areas, we accompanied health workers on their rounds, navigating through sewage-laden alleys and cramped, overcrowded flats.

Inside a small home, we met a young mother reliant on American assistance. Anne, who is HIV positive, requires daily medications and nutritional support for herself and her one-year-old son. She expressed deep fears for their future with the reduction in US aid.

“I’m very anxious,” she shared, “because if this continues, the medication could run out. Without it, my body’s defenses weaken, making me vulnerable to anything.”

‘We had no warning’

Kenya previously received $850m (£658m) in annual aid, now abruptly cut off. A US Supreme Court ruling may restore some funding, yet uncertainty looms regarding future developments.

Martha, a healthcare supervisor in Nairobi, clarified the stakes: “We received no notice. We couldn’t prepare households. It was all so abrupt.

“We anticipate increased mortality rates. More children will die before reaching five years old. Children living with HIV will face dire consequences — it’s going to be devastating,” Martha warned, adding that over 20,000 children relying on her organization’s services will be affected.

90% of all US aid contracts terminated

The Trump administration claims that aid is only paused for 90 days pending a review. However, many essential programs seem to have been completely halted.

After a short flight from Nairobi to Kisumu, we witnessed a similar gravity of impact away from urban centers.

In one provincial hospital, the presence of US Agency for International Development (USAID) was blatant, but many doors are now locked. It had been a focal point for patient treatment, now its future is uncertain.

Hospital staff informed us that some medications only had two months of supplies left, with others having less than thirty days of stock, due to halted deliveries.

According to doctors, patients have begun hoarding medications, driven by the anxiety about the future.

‘Biological warfare’

The US-supported initiatives against HIV, malaria, TB, and other diseases are running low. Decades of efforts and billions invested are now at risk of reversal.

Eric Okioma, who is HIV positive, manages a charity aiding others in Kisumu.

“Seen from a public health perspective, this feels like biological warfare because, from a human rights standpoint, this was a misguided decision — the cut was made too abruptly,” he stated.

Trump enjoys significant popularity in Kenya. His conservative views on issues related to gender and sexuality resonate in this largely Christian nation.

Yet, even among his supporters, there is substantial anxiety about the aid cuts.

Peter Gunday, a churchgoer and father, acknowledged that Kenya should strive for self-sufficiency, but felt the abruptness of Trump’s actions was excessive.

“He aims to make America great again… [but should offer] an olive branch to us, even if just for a time,” he suggested.

The reduction in aid jeopardizes lives and diminishes America’s reputation worldwide. The US has historically used aid to exert soft power and influence.

Read more:
US aid crisis leaves South Africans living with HIV in turmoil
What is USAID?

America’s retreat

China, the US’s rival superpower, focuses on construction, lending billions for significant infrastructure initiatives, like the new railway connecting Nairobi to the coast, cutting through the city’s safari park.

For Beijing, it’s all about leverage, ruthlessly aimed at gaining access to Africa’s rich natural resources.

Under Trump, America is unilaterally withdrawing from the competition for global influence. Its values and interests are bound to suffer as a result. This resembles not so much the concept of America first but rather an America retreating.

Finland braces for potential Russian aggression

Nearby, it’s the American stance on security that raises the most alarm. We traversed northwards to one of NATO‘s latest member states, which borders Russia.

How do the Finnish people perceive Mr. Trump’s impact on the Western alliance they just joined?

We filmed with Finland‘s military at the border with Russia, which has been closed due to hostilities in Ukraine.

Locals report sightings of Russian drones in the sparsely populated forests, and there has been a marked increase in border guard recruits due to the current global climate.

One recruit, Aku Jaeske, shared he enlisted “to protect our own country”.

He remarked, “I believe most of us are here for that reason. It’s challenging to manage a border over 1,300 kilometers long with Russia; we need capable personnel there.”

‘Bring it on’, declares one Finn

What are his views on Mr. Trump and the news he sees?

“The current news is insane; you cannot discern the reality of what is unfolding.”

The situation in Ukraine and Russia’s aggressive stance have prompted a surge in shooting, with new ranges popping up across Finland to meet the demand.

Outside Helsinki, a shooting enthusiast named Jerkri shared his insights on the growing trend.

“With the situation in Ukraine, people realize they might have to look after themselves… it’s an important consideration.”

As amateur shooters practiced on an open range, one participant, Patrick, expressed his concerns regarding recent developments.

“But should it come to that… let it happen,” he asserted.

At a service station, a local tabloid prominently featured the headline, “Trump’s 10 gifts to Putin.”

Finns once epitomized peace-loving neutrality; their current path shows they are arming amid Mr. Trump’s flirtations with the Kremlin.

After all, Finland is where Mr. Trump was seen standing beside Russian President Vladimir Putin during his initial term, infamously stating he trusted him more than US intelligence agencies.

US may be abandoning the West

Having learned from their past, the Finns recognize that a hostile Russia cannot be trusted.

In Europe, the withdrawal under Trump indicates a broader trend. The US seems to be abandoning its commitment to European security, signaling a shift towards siding with authoritarian regimes while investing less effort in Eastern Europe amid ongoing conflicts.

‘Trump is absurd’, say Greenlanders

Our journey concluded in Greenland, a location Trump once considered for acquisition.

Many individuals we spoke with expressed genuine concern about him.

Students Aviana and Julie mentioned that Trump’s behavior was concerning.

“It’s genuinely troubling — it feels like he favors Russia over Ukraine. I’m quite scared,” they expressed.

Another local expressed that Trump had no right to stake a claim to their land. “It’s ludicrous he thinks he can simply take our territory. We lack the means to defend against the United States,” they said.

Jurgen Boassen is an outspoken pro-Trump figure, often promoting his views through various platforms.

“I consider him a great man seeking peace globally,” he stated.

‘Europe is faltering’

He acknowledged that he receives compensation from MAGA groups in the US to foster “cultural ties,” believing that Greenland will gradually embrace a closer connection to America.

“I have no concerns; ultimately, people will realize I’m pursuing positive changes for Greenland. Europe is on a downward trend — Britain, Sweden, Belgium, the Netherlands, and even Germany,” he remarked.

Throughout our travels, people seemed taken aback. America used to embrace the principle that aiding others was beneficial for itself — maintaining peace in Europe, preserving lives, or safeguarding the autonomy of neighboring nations.

Read more:
Why does Trump want Greenland?
85% of Greenlanders oppose joining US, poll finds

The underlying fear is that under President Trump, the US has become increasingly self-focused. The notion that Trump could partition the globe into spheres of influence alongside other authoritarian rulers appears feasible. Such a reality would put smaller nations like Greenland at considerable risk.

Insights gleaned from our journey suggested that Donald Trump’s America First foreign policy jeopardizes millions of lives, undermines the security and sovereignty of allies, and threatens America’s own place in the global community while potentially empowering its adversaries.