During Donald Trump’s first year back in office (January 20, 2025 – January 20, 2026), his administration pursued a series of highly controversial geopolitical actions that drew widespread international attention. On his first day back in office, he signed an executive order pausing all U.S. foreign aid to allow a full review of what the administration considered aligned with U.S. interests. Most foreign development assistance was halted, including longstanding programs that delivered medicine, food, clean water, education, and health services in dozens of countries. Mbuyiseni Ndlozi is in conversation with RiskRecon Director and International Relations Expert, Dr Kingsley Makhubela.