In a series of bold actions, former President Donald Trump implemented significant changes across various sectors during his time in office. One major area was immigration. Trump cut funding for federal organizations that he believed encouraged illegal migration. He also created five national defense areas along the southern border to help stop drug smuggling and protect the environment. Entry from 39 countries identified as terror-prone was restricted, and sanctuary cities faced funding cuts. Additionally, thousands of criminal illegal aliens were removed through increased enforcement. Immigration enforcement has expanded to target foreign nationals, particularly students and researchers.
In terms of economic reforms, Trump worked to control inflation and slow down the growth of the federal deficit. He imposed a $100,000 fee for H-1B visa applications and used tariffs to protect essential supply chains. His administration also supported major expansions in U.S. auto manufacturing, encouraging companies to bring jobs back to America. During his first year back in office, he saw a significant progress in restoring economic growth, which contributed to job creation and a drop in the unemployment rate.
Trump’s foreign aid policies underwent significant changes as well. He banned funding for UNRWA, which employed Hamas operatives, and imposed sanctions on the International Criminal Court. He reinstated the Mexico City Policy to stop taxpayer money from supporting foreign abortion initiatives and cut many USAID programs, shifting the remaining funds to the State Department.
In national security, Trump exempted national defense agencies from federal labor rules and increased the U.S. defense industrial base to lessen reliance on foreign suppliers. His administration also focused on strengthening cyber defenses and prioritized the Western Hemisphere in its national security strategy.
Culturally, Trump ended federal funding for gender procedures on minors and removed hiring preferences based on race and sex in the executive branch. He took steps to protect religious expression in federal workplaces and directed embassies to display only the American flag.
