30 Key Insights from Trump’s First Month in Office

February 19, 2025 TruthUSA

Following a month into his second term, President Donald Trump has enacted numerous executive orders and promoted significant policies that are transforming both the political landscape of Washington and the role of the presidency.

He has launched an expansive agenda aimed at reducing illegal immigration, revamped several federal agencies, imposed and threatened tariffs on trading partners, and elicited concern from Democrats worried about the executive branch circumventing legislative authority.

Here are 30 key insights from Trump’s initial 30 days back in office.

1. Transforming Washington and Foreign Policy

Trump has implemented extensive policy measures that are altering Washington’s dynamics, diplomatic relations, and the reach and power of the United States’ executive branch.

These actions, occurring shortly after he assumed office, position him as one of the most proactive presidents in U.S. history, although his adversaries assert that some of his measures might be unlawful.

“What he’s currently doing seems to be a test of the boundaries of his presidential powers,” stated David Schultz, a political science and legal studies professor at Hamline University, to The Epoch Times. “Undoubtedly, the courts will rein in some of his actions.”

2. A Surge of Executive Actions

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Trump commenced signing executive orders just hours after his inauguration on Jan. 20.

The presidency has seen over 100 executive actions addressing various issues including the economy, national security, immigration, foreign relations, energy, healthcare, and education.

These actions comprise declaring a national emergency at the southern border, reversing many executive orders from former President Joe Biden, terminating all diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives at federal agencies, and instituting an “America First” foreign policy.

President Donald Trump signing executive orders in the Oval Office on Jan. 20, 2025. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

3. Legal Challenges Emerge

Legal battles concerning Trump’s sweeping changes have rapidly followed suit, with over 70 lawsuits reported by Just Security as of Feb. 17.

Some lawsuits are contesting the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)’s access to specific federal data and IT frameworks. Another lawsuit contests the administration’s deferred resignation program that provides federal employees with eight months of full benefits if they voluntarily resign from their positions.

4. Musk-Led DOGE Achieving Billions in Cuts

DOGE, led by Elon Musk, has reportedly saved nearly $55 billion since Trump’s return to office, according to its website as of Feb. 18.

This time-sensitive organization evolved from a modification of the U.S. Digital Services, initiated by President Barack Obama in 2014. According to DOGE, it has generated nearly $2 billion in reductions for the Treasury Department and close to $1.5 billion in cuts for the Department of Education.

Recent DOGE highlighted achievements include a $486 million reduction in proposed spending on a “Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening” along with DOGE personnel now operating within the Pentagon, where Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has welcomed their oversight.

5. Accusations of Overreach from Democrats

While both Trump and Musk have vocally championed DOGE’s proposed budget reductions, Democrats claim these cuts are excessive.

“We are merely discussing adding sensible controls that should be implemented but haven’t been,” Musk stated from the Oval Office on Feb. 11. “Let’s analyze every expense and determine whether it genuinely serves the public’s best interests. If it does, it stands, if not, we must reconsider it.”

Conversely, Democrats have vehemently criticized the legality of these cuts, filing lawsuits to challenge particular actions taken by DOGE. Some members of the party have also suggested the potential of a government shutdown in protest.

Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, accompanied by his son, X Æ A-Xii, watches President Donald Trump sign executive orders in the Oval Office on Feb. 11, 2025. Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images

6. Agency Revisions

Trump has enacted significant reforms across numerous government agencies during his first month back in office.

The U.S. Agency for International Aid has been effectively dissolved, with a vast majority of its employees facing termination. The agency’s international aid responsibilities are set to be absorbed by the State Department. Stoppages of work orders have also been witnessed at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).

Additionally, Trump has expressed intentions to collaborate with Congress on an agenda to fundamentally restructure or abolish the Department of Education. He has also called for the elimination of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, suggesting its emergency response capabilities be transferred to state governments.

7. Buyouts and Terminations

Since his presidency began, Trump has overseen widespread job cuts within the federal workforce.

Over 75,000 federal employees have accepted the administration’s buyout offer, granting them full pay and benefits until Sept. 30 while exempt from strict attendance regulations and layoffs.

Additionally, thousands of probationary employees across various agencies, from the Department of Health and Human Services to the Environmental Protection Agency, have also faced dismissal.

Trump has aimed to remove thousands of long-standing bureaucrats from the CFPB, though the legality behind this initiative has been challenged.

8. Funds Freeze

In late January, the Trump administration attempted to enforce a freeze on funding, instructing agencies to suspend the distribution of funds “to the extent permissible under applicable law.”

However, legal pushback arose swiftly, and a judge imposed an administrative stay. The Office of Management and Budget subsequently retracted the memo dictating that freeze, though the White House indicated some kind of financial freeze still persists.

Critics contend that the spending freeze exceeds Trump’s executive powers, emphasizing Congress’s control over budgeting in the Constitution. The White House maintains that a short-term freeze lies within the president’s authority. The constitutional implications involved may see resolution from the Supreme Court, possibly clarifying the demarcation of powers between Congress and the executive branch.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) addresses the Trump administration’s federal funding freeze at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 29, 2025. Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

9. National Emergency at the Border

Immediately upon taking office, Trump fulfilled the primary pledge of his 2024 campaign by declaring a national emergency at the southern border and issuing a series of executive orders targeting illegal immigration.

On his first day, the administration ceased the usage of the CBP One mobile app that had permitted close to 1 million people who would have otherwise been deemed illegal immigrants to make appointments with federal border authorities for entry into the United States.

Besides declaring a national emergency and redirecting troops to the border, Trump signed orders to intensify deportations, reestablish the Remain in Mexico policy, cease the catch-and-release of illegal immigrants, construct a border wall, label criminal cartels as international terrorists, abolish refugee resettlement and birthright citizenship, enhance immigrant scrutiny, and restore the death penalty for grave offenses committed by illegal immigrants.

10. ICE Operations Increased

Since his inauguration, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has escalated immigration enforcement in major urban centers such as Chicago and New York City.

Border czar Tom Homan noted in a Feb. 11 radio interview on WABC that approximately 14,000 illegal immigrants have been apprehended since Jan. 20, along with a reported 92% decline in border crossings during the same time frame.

These initiatives have garnered substantial backing from Republicans, though they have faced severe backlash from Democrats.

11. DOJ Filing Suits against Illinois and New York

The Justice Department, under Attorney General Pam Bondi, has initiated lawsuits against the states of Illinois and New York over their sanctuary policies for illegal immigrants.

The lawsuits challenge multiple state laws that federal officials argue obstruct immigration enforcement, including a New York law restricting the Department of Motor Vehicles from sharing information with immigration enforcement unless forced by a court order or warrant.

State Governors JB Pritzker and Kathy Hochul have pledged to defend their states in these legal actions.

Separately, New York City Mayor Eric Adams agreed on Feb. 13, after a meeting with Homan, to permit ICE agents access to Rikers Island jail for criminal investigations, specifically focusing on violent offenders and gang members.

12. Housing Criminal Illegal Immigrants in Guantanamo Bay

Trump instructed the military to prepare Guantanamo Bay Naval Base in Cuba for the detention of illegal immigrants, with the first flights arriving on Feb. 4.

The Pentagon announced that ten illegal immigrants linked to the Tren de Aragua gang had been dispatched to the facility, which predominantly houses high-profile international terrorists and other criminals.

Seattle police detain a demonstrator during a protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Seattle on Feb. 8, 2025. Jason Redmond/AFP via Getty Images

These detainees were labeled by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem as “the worst of the worst.”

The Pentagon clarified that the measure was “temporary,” suggesting those individuals would ultimately be returned to their “country of origin or another appropriate destination.”

13. Cooperation with El Salvador, Guatemala

In his first official international visit, Secretary of State Marco Rubio secured deportation agreements with both Guatemala and El Salvador.

On Feb. 5, Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo declared that his country would increase deportation flights from the U.S. by 40%, accepting illegal immigrants from other nations.

Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele similarly agreed to accept deportees from the U.S. stemming from third countries.

14. Tariff Ultimatums

Following through on his earlier promises, Trump prepared to enact 25% tariffs on all imports from Canada and Mexico prior to entering negotiations with both nations’ leaders.

He accused the two countries of inadequately addressing the issues of illegal immigration and the trafficking of illicit fentanyl into the U.S. In response, Mexico pledged to deploy troops to its border, while Canada indicated plans to designate a “fentanyl czar” to combat the drug trafficking surge.

Consequently, Trump agreed to suspend tariffs on Mexico and Canada for 30 days while dialogues with both nations’ leaders continued.

After threatening to impose 25% tariffs on Colombia unless it accepted certain deportation flights for Colombian illegal immigrants, the Colombian government responded favorably and agreed to the flights.

On Jan. 31, Trump expressed his commitment to “definitely” impose tariffs on the European Union, although he did not specify timing or specific rates initially. He has since referenced additional tariffs expected to impact the EU and other nations.

15. Increased Tariffs on China

Simultaneously with the announcement of tariffs on Mexico and Canada, Trump also committed to a ten percent additional tariff on top of existing tariffs on Chinese imports, citing the role of the Chinese government in producing precursors for fentanyl.

During his initial term, the Trump administration had already instituted tariffs on billions worth of Chinese imports, a strategy that the Biden administration continued and augmented.

The new tariffs on China came into effect on Feb. 4, prompting Beijing to quickly announce retaliatory tariffs, such as a 15% tax on American coal and liquefied natural gas and a 10% tax on crude oil, agricultural equipment, and large-engine vehicles.

Trump later signed an order postponing tariffs on low-cost imports from China until the Department of Commerce can ensure comprehensive processing and duty collection on incoming international packages.

The label on a clothing item reveals it was produced in China, as seen in New York City on Feb. 4, 2025. Spencer Platt/Getty Images

16. Introduction of Reciprocal Tariffs

On Feb. 13, Trump announced plans to implement reciprocal tariffs on all U.S. trading partners.

“Whatever countries apply tariffs against the United States, we will reciprocate—no more, no less,” Trump stated.

The president instructed government agencies to calculate reciprocal tariffs for each country, taking into consideration factors such as tariffs, value-added taxes, local subsidies, and regulations that present obstacles for U.S. entities to navigate trade barriers.

These tariffs will be implemented on a case-by-case basis and are anticipated to begin by early April, according to Howard Lutnick, designated secretary of the Department of Commerce.

17. Gaza Resettlement Plans

The Trump administration has proposed a plan to relocate Palestinians from the Gaza Strip to neighboring Arab countries.

The territory would be redeveloped under U.S. ownership—a notion that met with swift opposition from U.S. allies like Saudi Arabia.

On Feb. 16, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated a willingness to consider the initiative but insisted that any resettlement needed to be “voluntary.”

18. Initiating Negotiations for Peace in Ukraine

The U.S. and Russia are anticipated to commence talks aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

During his 2024 campaign, Trump frequently claimed he would be able to conclude the Russia–Ukraine conflict in a day. Although that objective was not realized, he continues to express interest in reaching a resolution.

High-ranking officials from both Russia and the U.S., including Rubio, convened on Feb. 18 in Saudi Arabia after Trump’s recent phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio (2nd R) meets with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (R) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Feb. 17, 2025. Evelyn Hockstein/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

19. Withdrawing from International Organizations

Trump has swiftly pulled the United States out of multiple international organizations.

On his first day, he signed an executive order for a complete withdrawal from the World Health Organization, a move Trump fundamentally tied to the organization’s management of the COVID-19 crisis.

The U.S. also withdrew from the U.N. Human Rights Council and ceased funding for the U.N. humanitarian agency for Palestinian refugees.

20. Panama Exiting China Initiative

Following a meeting with Rubio on Feb. 2, Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino confirmed that his nation will not renew a 2017 memorandum with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The agreement had involved Chinese infrastructure endeavors and investments in Panama as part of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

U.S. officials and critics have labeled the BRI as a method of “debt-trap diplomacy” executed by the CCP.

Rubio commended Panama’s decision to withdraw from the BRI, viewing it as a stride towards enhancing U.S.–Panama relations and preserving a “free Panama Canal.”

21. Regulations in Women’s Sports

After Trump signed an executive order characterizing male and female strictly according to biological sex, declaring that the federal government would only recognize these two genders, he subsequently restricted male athletes from competing in women’s sports.

His executive order, “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports,” referenced Title IX regulations. Even though the Biden administration expanded Title IX to integrate transgender-identifying individuals, Trump’s order confines participation in women’s sports to those documented as biologically female at birth.

In response, the National Collegiate Athletic Association revised its policy on transgender athletes, permitting participation in women’s sports solely for individuals identified as female at birth.

President Donald Trump, alongside female athletes, signing the “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports” executive order in the East Room of the White House on Feb. 5, 2025. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

22. Declaring End to DEI in Government and Education

Trump ordered all agency heads to halt DEI initiatives immediately, including the dismissal of any employees involved in those programs. These initiatives were among DOGE’s first targets as the advisory commission began examining various federal sectors.

On the day following his inauguration, Trump enacted an order cutting federal support for any educational institutions mandating DEI policies or employing contractors that utilize such practices.

This order impacts any educational establishments receiving federal aid, including K–12 institutions, organizations that provide resources for special education or assist low-income students, and higher education facilities that accept federal student loans, like Pell Grants.

23. Pardons Related to Jan. 6 and Pro-Life Activism

On Inauguration Day, Trump granted clemency to 1,569 individuals associated with the events of the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol invasion and commuted the sentences of 14 serious offenders.

Enrique Tarrio, former leader of the Proud Boys, interacts with the media as he passes through Miami International Airport on Jan. 22, 2025. President Donald Trump pardoned Tarrio, who was serving a 22-year prison term, along with over 1,500 individuals charged in connection with Jan. 6, 2021. Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Trump also pardoned 23 pro-life advocates who were convicted under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act. This included ten protesters sentenced in relation to an October 2020 demonstration at an abortion facility in Washington, D.C.

24. TikTok Moratorium

Last year, Congress implemented a law mandating TikTok to divest from its Beijing-based parent company by Jan. 19, 2025, or face a ban in the U.S.

Trump, having expressed a positive stance towards the app during his 2024 presidential campaign, emphasized his commitment to upholding national security while “preserving a platform utilized by 170 million Americans.”

He signed an executive order deferring the enforcement of the divest-or-ban TikTok statute for 75 days, allowing time for the app to secure a new buyer. The app temporarily became inactive in the U.S. during the weekend preceding the inauguration, with Trump announcing plans to prolong the deadline that week.

25. Confirmation Victories

Rubio was smoothly confirmed as Secretary of State, garnering support from every Senate member.

Other nominees advanced by Trump, such as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard faced a more contentious confirmation process, primarily along party lines.

(Clockwise from top L) President-elect Donald Trump’s choice for Secretary of State, Marco Rubio; nominee for Attorney General, Pamela Bondi; nominee for Director of the FBI, Kash Patel; nominee for Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth; nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.; and nominee for Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, testify during Senate hearings in Washington. Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times

Former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) opposed all three nominations.

Attorney General Pam Bondi, who took over for former Rep. Matt Gaetz after he withdrew his nomination, was confirmed with a 54–46 vote after Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) crossed party lines.

26. Renaming Denali and Gulf of Mexico

The names of two significant geographical features—North America’s highest peak and a major Atlantic basin—were the subjects of a distinct executive order issued by Trump.

Denali, the Alaskan mountain whose designation led to contention since it was identified by U.S. surveyors in the 1800s, was officially renamed Mount McKinley. The peak was initially named after President William McKinley, yet native Alaskan communities have consistently referred to it as Denali.

The Gulf of Mexico and Gulf of America shown on the Google Maps app on a smartphone in Washington on Feb. 11, 2025. Drew Angerer/AFP via Getty Images

Obama had issued an executive order in 2015 recognizing the peak by its native title; Trump instructed the Interior Department last month to revert to the label Mount McKinley.

Trump also mandated the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America.

27. Initiating Releases of Assassination Records

Trump also signed an order outlining plans for the release of remaining files connected to the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy (JFK), Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy (RFK), and Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.

The directive’s timelines require the director of national intelligence and attorney general to formulate a plan for the “complete and full release” of any remaining JFK files within 15 days, and 45 days for those related to RFK and King.

On Feb. 11, the FBI announced that it had uncovered approximately 2,400 new records linked to JFK’s assassination.

28. Existence of Mystery Drones

After several observers in the northeast reported unidentified aircraft that appeared to be drones, the White House indicated on Jan. 28 that “large numbers” of the drones spotted over states like New Jersey “were authorized to be deployed by the FAA for research and other purposes.”

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