Published: March 4, 2025
By: GLHR News Team
Welcome to GLHR’s Government News desk, where we break down how Washington’s moves impact your wallet and your investments. Last week, February 24 to March 2, 2025, President Donald Trump kept the pace blazing in his second term, rolling out actions that stirred markets, headlines, and your future portfolio. From border policies to Oval Office showdowns, here’s the top five things he did—and what they mean for beginner investors like you.
1. Paused Military Aid to Ukraine
On Friday, February 28, Trump clashed with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in a televised Oval Office meeting, then hit pause on all future U.S. military aid to Ukraine. This came after Zelensky balked at negotiating with Russia, prompting Trump to say, “We won’t put up with it much longer.” Markets flinched—defense stocks like Lockheed Martin dipped 2%—but it’s a signal: Trump’s prioritizing domestic spending over foreign wars. For investors, this could mean more cash flowing into U.S. infrastructure or energy plays—keep an eye on those sectors.
2. Ordered Federal Workers Back to the Office
Monday, February 24, saw Trump sign an executive order ending remote work for federal employees, demanding a full-time return to office desks “unless exemptions are critical.” Aimed at boosting efficiency (and maybe cutting DEI roles), it’s ruffled feathers—unions are fuming. Investors might see a ripple: real estate near D.C. could heat up as workers relocate. Look at REITs or commercial property ETFs if you’ve got $1,000 to play with.
3. Confirmed Tariffs on Mexico and Canada
By Thursday, February 27, Trump locked in tariffs on Mexican and Canadian goods, effective March 4. The Dow dropped 650 points Monday as markets braced for higher prices—think cars, steel, and groceries. Coca-Cola (KO), one of our $1,000 picks, might feel a squeeze on supply costs, but its global heft should weather it. Newbies, this is a lesson: trade wars shake stocks short-term but can open long-term buys on dips.
4. Fired Top Military Brass
Midweek, Trump axed Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr. (Joint Chiefs Chair), Adm. Lisa Franchetti (Navy Chief), and others, citing “disloyalty.” No replacements named yet—Pentagon’s in chaos. Defense investors, hold tight; uncertainty could stall Lockheed or Raytheon gains. For your $1,000, Verizon (VZ) stays a safer bet—dividends don’t care about brass drama. It’s a reminder: stability trumps headlines.
5. Pushed DOGE Cuts in Congress Prep
Ahead of his March 4 address to Congress, Trump leaned on Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to preview cuts—think EPA, Education Department layoffs. Details are hazy, but stocks fell Friday as investors feared a shutdown clash by March 14 (funding deadline). For beginners, this screams volatility—stick to steady dividend payers like KO and VZ until the dust settles.
What It Means for You
Last week’s flurry—aid cuts, office mandates, tariffs, firings, and DOGE flexing—shows Trump’s doubling down on America First. Markets hate uncertainty, but chaos breeds opportunity. New to investing? Start small with Robinhood—our $1,000 plan’s live there. Curious? Grab Investing for Dummies on Amazon to decode this wild ride. Stay tuned—GLHR’s got your back!
