Washington, April 11 – U.S. President Donald Trump is known for his bold moves, but it’s his dramatic reversals that have caught the world’s attention—especially this week, as his flip-flop on global trade tariffs sent shockwaves through markets. From his shifting stance on abortion to his ever-changing relationship with China, here’s a look at some of the most notable U-turns of the former president.
Abortion: A Long Journey of Shifting Views
Trump’s stance on abortion rights has been anything but consistent over the years. Back in 1999, he was very clear: “I am very pro-choice.” He even voiced opposition to banning abortion. Fast forward to his 2016 presidential campaign, when he turned to conservative voters and said there should be “some form of punishment” for women who seek abortions. By the time he took office, his position had fully shifted to become a staunch opponent of abortion. A transformation rooted in political strategy and changing priorities.
TikTok: From Banning to Saving
In the final months of his first term, Trump tried to ban TikTok, accusing the social media giant of using American data to benefit the Chinese government. Fast forward to his 2024 campaign, and Trump’s rhetoric has taken a complete 180. Now, while wooing Gen Z voters, he’s openly said, “I like TikTok,” and promised, “I’m going to save TikTok.” He’s even talking about negotiating a deal to find a non-Chinese buyer for the app, ensuring it doesn’t face a ban in the U.S.
Russia: Friend, Foe, and Somewhere in Between
In 2016, Trump openly called for better relations with Russia, a stance that was later overshadowed by allegations of Russian interference in the U.S. election. Upon returning to the White House, he briefly sought closer ties with the Kremlin, even making a public attempt to speak with Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine. But more recently, Trump has expressed frustration with Putin, calling him “very angry” and “furious” over the lack of progress in ceasefire talks in Ukraine. His Russia policy has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride.
The Revolving Door of Trump’s Appointees
Trump’s administration has been marked by a high turnover of top officials, many of whom were initially praised but quickly discarded. Rex Tillerson, former ExxonMobil CEO, was hailed as a key appointment as secretary of state, but was fired in 2018 after months of tension with the president. Similarly, John Bolton, Trump’s national security advisor, lasted only a year before being ousted, after he described Trump as “unfit” to lead the country. The revolving door in Trump’s administration often felt more like a reality TV show than a functioning government.
China: From Confrontation to Cooperation (and Back Again)
Trump’s approach to China has been another tale of sharp reversals. During his 2016 campaign, he promised to hold China accountable from “day one,” even calling Beijing a “currency manipulator.” But just months after taking office, he hosted Chinese President Xi Jinping at his Mar-a-Lago estate and backtracked, calling China “not currency manipulators.” Today, as trade tensions escalate, Trump is once again targeting China with massive tariffs and accusing the country of manipulating its currency.
Covid: A Pandemic of Contradictions
In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Trump downplayed the threat and mocked health measures, even questioning the need for lockdowns. That all changed dramatically when he contracted the virus himself and spent three days in the hospital. Upon his return, Trump had a completely different message, calling the medicine and vaccines used to treat him “the best in the world.” He declared, “I learned so much about the coronavirus,” and embraced the role of vaccine champion, something he had previously downplayed.
These flip-flops have defined much of Trump’s time in office and beyond. Whether driven by political strategy, changing public opinion, or personal experience, they’ve kept the world on its toes—often wondering which version of Trump will show up next.
