Trump got off to a rocky start on Monday this past week as the White House struggled to defend its immigration policy.
Before Trump took office, most families crossing the US border, including those seeking asylum from persecution in their home countries - were released into the US while their immigration cases were processed. But back in April, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced that as part of a "zero-tolerance policy," the adults in these families could be subject to criminal prosecution for illegally entering the US. The idea behind the policy was that it would create a significant deterrent to would-be immigrants and would ultimately reduce the number of border crossings (though whether or not this is effective is a matter of some debate).
But children cannot be held in jails with their parents while the prosecution is ongoing. The Trump administration therefore separates children from their parents, housing them in juvenile facilities run by non-profit industries or private companies, locating their relatives, or by placing them in foster care.
After a public moral outcry, Trump and various officials within his administration, including Sessions and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, were initially unapologetic. They defended the policy as necessary and insisted that they were properly caring for the children. Trump then attempted to shift responsibility for the policy even as he touted its effectiveness, falsely blaming it on the Democratic party, and then saying that only Congress had the authority to stop the separations. Trump also tried to rally public opinion around him by hosting an event for the victims of crimes perpetrated by undocumented immigrants. Melania Trump also stirred controversy by visiting the border while wearing a Zara jacket with the phrase, "I really don't care, do u?" printed on the back. Many felt that the jacket was emblematic of the Trump's cynical attitude towards human rights, though the Trumps denied that the message carried any significance.
Still, Trump ultimately caved to the mounting criticism and negative headlines and signed an executive order to keep families together, though the terms are not entirely clear and it won't halt the criminal prosecution of those crossing into the states illegally. The administration has begun attempts to reunite families, though thousands are still separated, and reports indicate the reunification process maybe chaotic.
In other news, Trump continues to freely wield his favorite economic weapon: tariffs. Just hours after Europe slapped tariffs on a slew of American products in retaliation for Trump introducing tariffs on European steel and aluminum, Trump threatened to add another 20% tariff on European autos.
And finally, Michael Cohen, Trump's former personal attorney, has signaled that he is willing to cooperate with investigators by giving them information about the President.