Trump’s Turbulent Week Roils Markets, Strains Alliances, and Stirs Internal Chaos

By A Staff Reporter

Unpredictability has always been one of Donald Trump’s defining traits. This week, however, the shockwaves from his erratic decision-making reverberated from Wall Street to world capitals, leaving financial markets, allies, and even his own administration scrambling for clarity.

The week started with high expectations—a prime-time address to Congress aimed at rallying Republicans behind his agenda. Instead, it became a showcase of reversals, with Trump repeatedly changing course on tariffs, Ukraine, and government restructuring, sowing confusion at home and abroad.

Economic Turmoil

Markets tumbled as Trump flip-flopped on trade. Initially imposing tariffs on Canada and Mexico, he abruptly granted a one-month reprieve after pressure from automakers. Then, in another reversal, he delayed additional tariffs, sending stocks plummeting. On Friday, he stunned officials by threatening a massive 250% tariff on Canadian dairy, a move that inflamed tensions with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

The two leaders had a contentious phone call, marked by heated exchanges and profanity. Sources said Trudeau had been trying for days to reach Trump before the tariff decisions were made, only to be ignored. When they finally spoke, the conversation ended in what Trump later described as a “somewhat” friendly manner—though insiders suggested otherwise.

Musk’s Influence and Internal Struggles

Meanwhile, tensions brewed in Washington over Elon Musk’s role in reshaping the federal workforce. As agencies braced for layoffs, Cabinet members, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, expressed frustration over Musk’s sweeping mandates. A particular point of contention was Musk’s demand that government employees justify their jobs by submitting weekly reports detailing their accomplishments.

At a closed-door meeting, Rubio and others confronted Musk over his restructuring efforts, with Trump attempting to downplay any discord. “No clash,” Trump insisted, dismissing reports of internal strife. Yet, behind the scenes, unease grew over the tech billionaire’s deepening influence in government operations.

Ukraine Frustrations

Trump’s handling of Ukraine added to the chaos. His self-imposed deadline to end the war had long passed, leading to growing impatience. Last week’s Oval Office meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky ended in acrimony, with Zelensky being asked to leave the West Wing.

The fallout was immediate. The White House announced a pause in military aid to Ukraine, and intelligence-sharing with Kyiv was reportedly scaled back. Trump’s allies suggested Zelensky should resign, further straining relations.

But by midweek, back-channel diplomacy appeared to soften the president’s stance. Trump’s Ukraine envoy, Keith Kellogg, reached out to Zelensky’s team, urging them to mend ties before the president’s speech to Congress. Zelensky responded with a conciliatory message, calling their earlier exchange “regrettable.”

By Tuesday night, Trump read Zelensky’s remarks aloud to Congress, signaling a possible thaw. By Thursday, U.S. and Ukrainian officials arranged new diplomatic talks in Saudi Arabia.

A Mixed Message on Russia

Despite briefly threatening sanctions against Russia for its continued assault on Ukraine, Trump quickly shifted back to his familiar rhetoric—suggesting that Vladimir Putin “holds all the cards” in the conflict and rationalizing Moscow’s aggressive tactics. His tone reflected a pattern of growing alignment with Russia’s position, leaving allies questioning where the administration truly stands.

As the dust settles on this chaotic week, one certainty remains: Trump’s unpredictable leadership continues to keep markets, allies, and his own administration on edge.