Donald Trump marked the first anniversary of his return to power with a surprise news conference in the White House press briefing room on January 21, 2026. The event, lasting just under two hours, was characterized by a mixture of self-congratulation and grievances, as Trump presented a 36-page list of 365 achievements from his first year back in office. These included securing the border, cutting government size, and humorously suggesting the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, or even the Gulf of Trump.
Here are five key takeaways from the former president’s rambling and often repetitive appearance.
Changing the Narrative on Immigration
Trump commenced the conference by displaying printed images of individuals he claimed were illegal migrants arrested for crimes by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). His slow presentation appeared to be a deliberate attempt to shift the narrative back to his preferred focus on criminal activities associated with illegal immigration.
Polls indicate that many Americans support Trump’s stringent immigration policies, particularly in the wake of what they perceive as lax enforcement under Joe Biden. However, there is less enthusiasm for raids targeting non-criminal undocumented immigrants who have established lives in the U.S. According to The New York Times, in major cities like Los Angeles and Minneapolis, most individuals detained by ICE had no criminal convictions or charges.
Lingering Resentment Over the Nobel Prize
Despite knowing he should downplay it, Trump couldn’t hide his frustration over not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize last year, which was awarded to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. Trump claimed, without evidence, to have ended eight wars, asserting, “I should have gotten the Nobel Prize for each war.”
The Nobel Prize is awarded by the independent Norwegian Nobel Committee, which Trump insists is politically influenced. “Don’t let anyone tell you that Norway doesn’t control the shots,” he remarked, criticizing the committee’s decision-making process.
Personalizing Tragedy: The Case of Renee Good
One of the more striking moments was Trump’s discussion of Renee Good, a U.S. citizen killed by an ICE officer during a protest in Minneapolis. While acknowledging that ICE can make mistakes, Trump personalized the tragedy by highlighting that Good’s father was a Trump supporter. “I felt horribly … when I learnt her parents and her father in particular – I hope he still is, but I don’t know – was a tremendous Trump fan,” he stated.
The Economy: A Mixed Bag
Trump’s economic policies have been a cornerstone of his administration, yet the results are mixed. While inflation has stabilized at 2.7%, lower than the predicted explosion due to tariffs, job growth remains weak. However, the unemployment rate is a solid 4.4%, and the stock market is thriving, benefiting those with pension funds.
Trump expressed frustration over not receiving credit for economic improvements, blaming his media advisers for failing to communicate successes. “We inherited a mess,” he said, lamenting the lack of public recognition for his administration’s efforts.
Ambitious Plans for the “Board of Peace”
Trump announced the creation of a “Board of Peace” to administer Gaza, endorsed by the United Nations Security Council. However, he envisions a broader role for the board, inviting global leaders like Russia’s Vladimir Putin and Australia’s Anthony Albanese to join. Trump suggested countries pay $1 billion to remain on the board permanently.
When asked if the Board of Peace could replace the UN, Trump replied, “It might,” criticizing the UN’s effectiveness while acknowledging its potential. “I believe you’ve got to let the UN continue because the potential is so great,” he added.
This conference underscores Trump’s ongoing efforts to shape public discourse and assert his influence on both domestic and international stages. As his administration continues, the implications of his policies and rhetoric will undoubtedly remain a focal point of political analysis and public debate.
