As of Feb. 20, 2025, Donald J. Trump has implemented several controversial policy changes in the economy, healthcare system, immigration and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Many of the changes overseen by the Trump administration were mentioned during his campaign, which placed a special emphasis on immigration, while others were not spoken of. Within 50 days, many have recognized the deepened divide between the Democratic and Republican parties, leaving many Americans worried about the road ahead.
Economy
Tariff Policy
Trump and his administration have been known to favor tariffs to improve the American economy, so at the beginning of his 2025 presidency, he and his administration introduced reciprocal import tariffs. This includes a 10% tax on Chinese goods and a 25% tariff on both Canadian and Mexican goods, with a reduced 10% tariff on Canadian energy resources. It has also been announced and proposed as a “25% or higher” tariff on imports of semiconductors and pharmaceutical products, impacting countries like India, which is a major genetic drug exporter. Many of these tariffs were introduced to protect domestic industries and address trade deficits. However, some have led to diplomatic discussions and foreign trade relation conflicts. Both Mexico’s and Canada’s governments have expressed their concerns over the economic impact Trump’s tariffs will have and are willing to negotiate aid solutions to the potential damage these tariffs might create. In contrast, China has implemented retaliatory tariffs on U.S. natural resources and industries. The European Union (EU) has also expressed its concerns over the tariffs, emphasizing the unfairness in the U.S.’ trade process. To improve the economic situation of America, many foreign relations had to be severed in the process.
“I’m a big believer in tariffs,” Trump said in an interview with NBC News. “I think tariffs are the most beautiful word; I think they are beautiful. It’s going to make us rich.”
Tax Reforms
Howard Lutnick, the Commerce Secretary, has indicated that the administration is considering eliminating federal income taxes and dissolving the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and instead funding the federal government through increased tariff revenues. This could potentially generate up to $700 billion annually, stimulating economic growth. After dissolving the IRS, the administration is hoping to establish an external revenue office to manage foreign-sourced revenues, replacing the IRS. In addition, key provisions from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act are set to expire by the end of 2025. However, Trump is hoping to permanently extend the provisions to maintain reduced tax rates and small businesses. These provisions affect an individual’s income tax rates and standard deductions. Furthermore, President Trump has signed an executive order for the 10-to-1 Deregulation Initiative, which states that for every regulation introduced, ten previously existing regulations must be eliminated. This initiative aims to lower compliance costs for businesses and foster a more conducive environment for economic growth.
“To further unleash our economy, our majorities in the House and Senate which we also took along with the presidency are going to pass the largest tax cut in American history,” Trump said in a speech to the World Economic Forum leaders on January 23rd. “Including massive tax cuts for workers and [families] and big tax cuts for domestic producers and manufacturers.”
Healthcare
A known fact about Trump and his administration is their controversial stance on abortion. Many of his supporters see abortion as the murder of an innocent child and have heavily protested against the decision. During his second month of presidency, President Trump has implemented measures that affect access to abortion and reproductive healthcare. Out of the many protesters Trump has pardoned so far, one notable pardon is of an anti-abortion woman who blockaded clinics, stole fetal tissue and stored fetuses in her home. He has limited prosecutions under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act and has enacted an aid impacting international family planning programs. Many of these policy changes have led to reduced access to contraceptive care and heightened the risks of unintended pregnancies and maternal mortality nationally. Trump has also signed executive orders to restructure the National Institute of Health (NIH), which is the largest public funder of biomedical research. After cutting $4 billion from the research budget and terminating contracts with thousands of workers, many scientists have exclaimed that these actions will hinder medical advancement in treating diseases such as Alzheimer’s and cancer. During his campaign, President Trump had previously promised to preserve Medicaid, however, he has supported a House budget bill proposing $880 billion in cuts to the program, aiming to fund his proposed tax cuts. This has raised concerns for many Americans about their healthcare coverage in the future. However, many Americans are glad about Trump’s executive order to reduce the cost of in vitro fertilization (IVF) and explore ways for the process to become cheaper. But with numerous financial promises, many are concerned and skeptical about how valid his intentions are with this issue.
“I’m President, I want to protect the women of our country; they said ‘Sir, I just think it’s inappropriate for you to say to pay these guys a lot of money,’ can you believe it?” Trump said in a rally in Wisconsin. “I said, ‘Well, I’m going to do it whether the women like it or not.”
Immigration
Federal Enforcement & Legal Status Alterations
For his campaign, Trump pinpointed one main issue to gain support: immigration. On his first day in office, he immediately signed an executive order to expedite the process of deporting individuals without court hearings. He also increased the number of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents to help impose his mandates onto those who fail to follow them. His imposed policies target a wide range of demographics and varying legal statuses. After Trump’s inauguration, it is estimated that about 6,000 individuals have been deported to more than 120 different countries. Many Democrats have argued about the inhumanity and racial motivation behind the deportation. Following the remarks made by Democrats, the official White House Instagram page responded by posting a “comedic ASMR video of deportation sounds,” sending a wave of shock and disgust throughout many Americans. International figures such as Pope Francis have spoken up about the possible legal and humanitarian crisis in front of them as this action can be seen as a breach of human rights. Those with temporary legal protections are also being targeted by Trump and his administration, prioritizing the deportation of thousands of people, even if they are seeking asylum. In addition, the administration called for the termination of Temporary Protective Status (TPS) for Haitian Nationals. In August 2025, around half a million Haitian nationals are subject to potential deportation and loss of work authorization.
“[I have a] mandate to bring common sense back to the country,” Trump said in an exclusive interview with NBC News. “[One of my first priorities is to] make the border strong and powerful. We have no choice. There is no price tag.”
Budget Allocation for Mass Deportation
Trump and his administration have been committed to carrying out his deportation plan, leading to budget allocations to help facilitate the mass deportations. The financial commitments that tag along with this plan include detention facilities, legislative measures and the reallocation of federal resources. Recently, the Senate approved a Republican-backed budget resolution with a 52-48 vote. This bill emphasizes increased spending on defense, stricter border security measures and military enhancements. One part of this bill includes the $4.5 trillion tax cuts favored by Trump. Currently, ICE has the financial potential to detain 41,000 individuals per day; however, to meet the administration’s goal, there is a need to increase detention space to hold 110,000 detainees. In addition, these policies could result in a reduction of $20 billion annually from Social Security contributions, and also, the removal of a substantial labor force would cause an increase in product demand and price.
“The Trump administration’s aggressive deportation of illegal immigrants could result in economic repercussions including increased inflation and decreased GDP,” an expert from the Economic Times said. “Experts caution against mass deportations due to significant costs and potential impacts on key industries and families. The loss of immigrant contributions to social security, Medicare, and tax revenues would further strain the US economy.”
DEI Initiatives
Executive Actions on DEI
Two executive orders have been released by Trump and his administration: 14151 and 14173. Executive Order 14151 directed that the Office of Management and Budget should terminate all programs, policies, preferences and activities related to DEI. It also states that all employees in DEI should report immediately. Order 14173 prohibits federal departments from issuing contracts to private organizations that enforce DEI frameworks. This specifically prevents affirmative action from being implemented by government contractors and revokes certain provisions of the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) order, which was signed into action in 1965.
Redefinition of Gender Recognition
Aligning with the administration’s stance on DEI, Trump announced his plan to implement executive actions that would abolish DEI mandates on a federal level and establish a policy where the U.S. government only recognizes two genders: male and female. This administration hopes that these actions will protect and expand civil rights and equal individual opportunity, as well as eliminate any “illegal” DEI programs.
“I will also end the government policy of trying to socially engineer race and gender into every aspect of public and private life,” Trump said. “Life we will forge a society that is colorblind and merit-based as of today. It will henceforth be the official policy of the United States government that there are only two genders male and female.”
