Here’s Where Trump’s Most Jaw-Dropping Promises Stand a Year Into His Second Term

It’s been a year since Donald Trump began his second term as President of the United States, and the results of his boldest, most jaw-dropping promises are starting to take shape—or fall flat. Some initiatives have already made waves in policy and media; others are stuck in bureaucracy, legal fights, or political gridlock. And a few have quietly faded from view.

Let’s break down where Trump’s most headline-grabbing pledges stand right now.

1. The “New Air Force One” Is on the Way… Eventually

One of the first eye-catching projects of Trump’s second term? Upgrading the presidential fleet with a Qatari Boeing 747. The plane is being retrofitted in Texas to include state-of-the-art security and communication systems.

Goal: Replace the aging Air Force One with a modern, high-tech aircraft.

Status: Still in progress, with completion possibly years away.

Cost: Estimated at nearly $1 billion, far above initial projections.

Trump’s flair for spectacle is on full display here. While the promise is technically moving forward, it’s slower and pricier than originally suggested.

2. Annexing Greenland — Still a Flashpoint

Remember when Trump suggested “having” Greenland? That idea hasn’t gone away. He even appointed a special envoy to negotiate the island’s potential sale.

Reaction: Copenhagen, Greenland’s government, and NATO allies all firmly reject it.

Latest moves: Trump threatened escalating tariffs on European countries if Greenland isn’t “available” to the U.S.

This promise highlights a key feature of Trump’s presidency: bold, jaw-dropping ideas that clash with international norms.

3. Energy Bills Cut in Half? Not Quite

During his campaign, Trump promised to slash U.S. household energy costs by 50%. Reality has been… different.

Current situation: Electricity bills rose an average of 6.7% in 2025.

Reason: Deregulation and fossil fuel expansion haven’t offset rising demand and aging infrastructure.

This is a reminder that campaign promises don’t always survive economic and logistical realities.

4. The Golden Dome Missile Defense System

Another jaw-dropping pledge is the so-called “Golden Dome” missile defense program. Trump envisions a multilayered system on Earth and in space, costing around $175 billion.

Progress: Early planning and limited capability tests are underway.

Reality check: Officials say full deployment by 2029 is unlikely.

It’s ambitious, futuristic, and expensive—classic Trump. But it’s still a long way from being a functional defense shield.

5. Pop Culture Promises: Baseball and Blockbusters

Not all promises are political. Some reflect Trump’s unique blend of celebrity and politics:

Pete Rose Hall of Fame induction: Trump has advocated for it, but the Hall of Fame committee operates independently and won’t decide until 2027.

“Rush Hour 4” reboot: Trump claimed credit for influencing Hollywood, though it’s unclear how much sway a president really has here.

These cultural moves showcase Trump’s ongoing mix of showmanship and policy.

6. Promises That Are Fading Fast

Not every jaw-dropping idea has survived a year:

Transforming Gaza into a Mediterranean resort? Faded.

Shipping migrants to Guantanamo Bay? Legal and diplomatic barriers stalled it.

Eliminating the federal income tax in favor of tariffs? Politically dead for now.

Some promises were so outlandish that they never moved past the talking point stage.

What’s the Takeaway?

After 12 months, here’s a quick reality check:

✅ Progressing promises: Air Force One project, Greenland pressure campaign.

⚠️ Partially realized: Golden Dome missile defense, cultural gestures.

❌ Fading or failed: Massive energy bill cuts, extreme tax reforms, other wild ideas.

Trump’s second term shows a mix of bold actions, media stunts, and stalled projects. For supporters, the spectacle is part of the appeal. For critics, the disconnect between promises and reality is glaring.

In Short

Trump’s presidency continues to defy traditional expectations. One year in, the record is mixed: some initiatives move forward, others stall, and a few promises are quietly disappearing from the spotlight. Whether viewed as visionary or theatrical, Trump’s jaw-dropping promises continue to dominate headlines—and they’ll likely do so for the rest of his term.