2017: The Year Chaos Became the New Normal

"From Day One, the Presidency Became a Legal Liability"

2017 was supposed to be the year Trump delivered on his promises—instead, it became the year his administration started collapsing under its own weight.

Within months of taking office, he managed to:
✔ Enact racist, unconstitutional policies (hello, Muslim Ban).
✔ Fire the FBI director investigating him.
✔ Surround himself with criminals who ended up in prison.
✔ Turn social media into a battleground of disinformation.

And that was just the first six months.

The year kicked off with one of the most bizarre inaugurations in history—complete with crowd size debates, blatant lies, and protests in the streets. From there, it spiraled into nonstop scandals, legal battles, and the slow realization that Trump wasn’t just incompetent—he was actively eroding democracy.

2017 was when everything started falling apart. And yet, it was only the beginning.

Here’s how it all unfolded.

  • January 20, 2017: Trump Inaugurated as the 45th President of the United States

    • Event: Donald J. Trump is sworn in as the 45th President of the United States, officially marking the beginning of his administration.

    • Significance: The inauguration sets the stage for Trump's policy agenda and leadership style, which quickly become subjects of national and international scrutiny.

    February 2017: Travel Ban Implemented

    • Event: President Trump signs Executive Order 13769, commonly known as the "Travel Ban," which restricts entry to the U.S. from seven predominantly Muslim countries: Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen.

    • Significance: The order sparks widespread protests and legal challenges, with opponents labeling it as a "Muslim ban." Multiple federal courts issue temporary restraining orders, leading to a series of legal battles that continue throughout the year.

    March 2017: Meeting with Former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn

    • Event: Michael Flynn, then National Security Advisor, has multiple contacts with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak during the transition period. Flynn later pleads guilty to lying to the FBI about these communications.

    • Significance: Flynn's interactions with Russian officials become a focal point in investigations into potential Russian influence and obstruction of justice within the Trump administration.

    May 2017: Comey Fired

    • Event: President Trump dismisses FBI Director James Comey, citing his handling of the Hillary Clinton email investigation as the reason.

    • Significance: The firing raises immediate concerns about potential obstruction of justice, especially as it occurs amid ongoing investigations into Russian interference in the 2016 election. This action eventually leads to the appointment of Special Counsel Robert Mueller.

    May 17, 2017: Mueller Investigation Begins

    • Event: Attorney General Jeff Sessions appoints Robert Mueller as Special Counsel to oversee the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election and any potential connections to the Trump campaign.

    • Significance: The appointment signifies the federal government's commitment to investigating the extent of Russian involvement and any possible collusion with Trump's campaign, setting the stage for a lengthy and high-profile inquiry.

    June 2017: Michael Flynn's Home Raided

    • Event: FBI agents execute a search warrant at Michael Flynn’s residence as part of the ongoing investigation into Russian interference and potential collusion with the Trump campaign.

    • Significance: The raid underscores the seriousness of the investigation and the focus on high-ranking officials within the administration, highlighting the potential legal vulnerabilities faced by Trump's team.

    July 2017: Executive Order on Deregulation Signed

    • Event: President Trump signs an executive order aimed at reducing federal regulations, prioritizing the elimination of two existing regulations for every new one introduced.

    • Significance: This order reflects Trump's commitment to deregulation as a core component of his economic and administrative policy, impacting various sectors including environmental protections and financial regulations.

    August 2017: U.S. Announces Sanctions on Russia

    • Event: In response to Russian interference in the 2016 election and other malign activities, the Trump administration imposes sanctions on Russian individuals and entities.

    • Significance: These sanctions are part of a broader strategy to penalize Russia for its actions, though critics argue about their effectiveness and the administration's overall approach to Russia.

    September 2017: Appointment of Jeff Sessions as Attorney General

    • Event: Jeff Sessions is confirmed as Attorney General, bringing a staunch critic of the investigation into Russian interference into the administration.

    • Significance: Sessions' appointment raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the independence of the Justice Department, especially given his previous recusal from the Russia investigation.

    October 2017: Release of the Nunes Memo

    • Event: Representative Devin Nunes, the Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, releases a memo alleging that the FBI and DOJ improperly obtained surveillance warrants against Trump associates.

    • Significance: The memo intensifies partisan debates over the legitimacy and conduct of the Russia investigation, with Republicans claiming misconduct and Democrats defending the investigative process.

    November 2017: Trump's New Economic Agenda

    • Event: President Trump unveils his economic agenda, including tax cuts, infrastructure spending, and the renegotiation of trade deals.

    • Significance: The agenda aims to stimulate economic growth and reshape U.S. trade relationships but faces opposition from Democrats and concerns about the long-term fiscal impact.

    December 2017: Manafort Pleads Guilty

    • Event: Paul Manafort, Trump's former campaign chairman, pleads guilty to charges of tax and bank fraud as part of the Mueller investigation.

    • Significance: Manafort's plea deal provides critical insights into the Trump campaign's financial dealings and potential ties to foreign entities, fueling further investigations into collusion and obstruction of justice.

    Additional Context and Significance

    • Media Relations and Public Perception:

      • Hostile Media Environment: President Trump's frequent attacks on the media, labeling unfavorable coverage as "fake news" and "the enemy of the people," contribute to a polarized public perception and increased tensions between the administration and press outlets.

    • Social Media Influence:

      • Twitter Usage: Trump's prolific use of Twitter as a direct communication tool shapes public discourse, influences media narratives, and occasionally leads to controversies over misinformation and policy announcements made via the platform.

    • Foreign Policy Shifts:

      • Middle East Policy: The Trump administration takes a hardline stance on Iran, leading to the withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in May 2018, though this extends beyond the 2017 timeline, setting the groundwork for future policy shifts.

    • Judicial Appointments:

      • Supreme Court Nomination: In June 2017, Trump nominates Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court following the death of Justice Antonin Scalia. Gorsuch's appointment significantly shifts the Court's ideological balance.

    • Immigration Policies:

      • Zero Tolerance Policy: In April 2018, the administration announces a policy of family separation at the U.S.-Mexico border, resulting in widespread condemnation and legal challenges. While this event occurs in 2018, its planning and policy formulation begin in 2017.

    • Healthcare Reform Attempts:

      • Repeal and Replace Efforts: Throughout 2017, the Trump administration makes several attempts to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), facing significant legislative hurdles and public opposition.

    Conclusion

    The year 2017 was pivotal in shaping the trajectory of Donald Trump's presidency, marked by significant policy shifts, controversial executive actions, and the initiation of high-profile investigations into Russian interference in the 2016 election. Key events such as the firing of FBI Director James Comey and the appointment of Robert Mueller as Special Counsel laid the groundwork for extensive inquiries into potential collusion and obstruction of justice. Additionally, Trump's aggressive immigration policies, regulatory rollbacks, and strained relations with the media contributed to a deeply polarized political climate.

    Understanding the events of 2017 is crucial for comprehending the subsequent developments in Trump's presidency, the evolution of the Russia investigation, and the broader implications for American politics and governance. This timeline highlights the interplay between domestic policy initiatives and international relations, particularly with Russia, underscoring the complexities and challenges faced by the administration from its inception.

    For a more detailed exploration of these events, consider consulting the following resources:

    • Mueller Report: Report on the Investigation into Russian Interference in the 2016 Presidential Election

    • Senate Intelligence Committee Reports: Report on Russian Active Measures Campaigns and Interference in the 2016 U.S. Election

    • Books:

      • "The Russia Hoax" by Gregg Jarrett

      • "Fire and Fury" by Michael Wolff

    • News Outlets: