Trump Implements Major Reforms in His Initial 30 Days in Office
In contrast to his first term, Trump encountered minimal organized public opposition during the initial weeks of his second term.
WASHINGTON—President Donald Trump returned to the White House and quickly established the direction for his new administration by enacting a series of swift executive orders and implementing extensive reforms within the federal government during his first 30 days in office.
Focused on border security, tariffs, reducing the federal workforce, and reshaping foreign policy, Trump is swiftly addressing his agenda.
“It’s unprecedented. We’ve never seen anything like this,” remarked James Mohs, an associate professor of accounting, tax, and law at the University of New Haven, in a conversation with The Epoch Times. “This is the hallmark of an effective executive. It’s part of a grand strategy, and it’s one of the most impressive plans I’ve ever witnessed.”
Nevertheless, not all are in agreement. Some Democrats are challenging Trump’s bold objectives, while over 70 lawsuits have been filed, aiming to delay or obstruct his executive actions.
Critics assert that the new administration’s initiatives are fostering disorder and steering the nation towards a crisis.
However, polling data indicates that much of the dissent is arising from media sources and partisan politicians, rather than the general populace. A recent CBS poll showed that many Americans view Trump positively, labeling him as “tough,” “energetic,” “focused,” and “effective.”
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The newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), managed by Elon Musk, founder of Tesla and SpaceX, has already successfully cut at least $55 billion in federal expenditures, making it a focal point for criticism from detractors while garnering support from proponents eagerly anticipating further updates.
Unlike his first term, Trump encountered little organized public resistance in the early weeks of his second term.
He is prioritizing the campaign promises he made, with initial measures aimed at addressing foreign trade, illegal immigration, and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, among others.
Significant Decline in Illegal Immigration
One of the most notable developments, largely underreported by mainstream media, is the significant decrease in illegal immigration to the United States.
On his first day in office, Trump enacted 10 executive orders and proclamations designed to secure the border and expel criminal illegal immigrants.
These measures resulted in a substantial reduction in illegal immigration, with daily encounters falling to fewer than 300 from over 11,000 at the peak of the border crisis during President Joe Biden’s tenure.
Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, remarked that he has never witnessed such low figures in his entire career.
“In the last 24 hours, the U.S. Border Patrol has encountered a total of 229 aliens across the entire southwest border,” Homan stated on the social media platform X on Feb. 17. “I began my career as a Border Patrol Agent in 1984, and I don’t recall numbers ever being this low. President Trump committed to securing the border, and he is following through.”
Trump terminated “catch and release” policies, ceasing the practice of releasing individuals into the country once they were apprehended for immigration breaches. According to Jessica Vaughan, director of policy studies at the Center for Immigration Studies, this was the most effective strategy in curtailing illegal migration in the past month.
Vaughan informed The Epoch Times that another key initiative was a marked rise in enforcement within the country’s interior.
Individuals begin to understand that even if they enter unauthorized, the likelihood of being caught and sent back is significantly amplified now.
“When people observe that illegal entry will not be tolerated, they refrain from handing over their life savings to a criminal smuggling operation to attempt to arrive here,” Vaughan noted. “They realize that the danger isn’t worth the risk.”
Additionally, on his first day in office, Trump deactivated the CBP One application that permitted migrants to apply for parole to enter the United States.
Other initiatives include diplomatic outreach to ensure countries such as Mexico, El Salvador, Colombia, Venezuela, and Panama collaborate with the United States in mitigating illegal immigration.
In reaction to a tariff warning, for instance, Mexico consented to deploy an additional 10,000 troops to the U.S.-Mexico border focusing on reducing illicit drug trafficking and enhancing migration enforcement.
Trump also directed the establishment of a detention facility at Guantanamo Bay to accommodate up to 30,000 illegal immigrants.
The Department of Justice announced an intention to take legal action against sanctuary cities for “resisting” and “obstructing” federal immigration enforcement efforts.
However, these actions have been overshadowed by the public discourse surrounding Elon Musk’s extensive government spending cuts, which have received extensive attention in both social media and mainstream media over the past month.
Regarding border security, Trump is gaining traction. A recent CBS poll indicated that 59 percent of Americans support his mass deportation strategy, while a substantial 64 percent endorse the deployment of U.S. troops to the U.S.-Mexico border.
Initiatives to Downsize Government
The administration’s emphasis on reducing the federal bureaucracy and eliminating waste generated headlines after Trump established DOGE with an executive order signed on Jan. 20.
“We must make our government smaller, more efficient, effective, and economical,” Trump asserted on Feb. 12. “People are largely unaware of how crucial this is.”
DOGE is canceling contracts and leases, announcing new cutbacks almost daily.
“Some of the discoveries are shocking: billions of dollars are wasted, misused, and abused,” Trump emphasized. “Nobody had any idea it was this bad, this corrupt.”
Examples of expenses facing cuts include $20 million for a Sesame Street spinoff catering to Iraqi audiences, over $18 million for subscriptions to Politico and other publications, and $7.9 million to train Sri Lankan journalists in the use of gender-neutral language.
Supporters of DOGE assert that its initiatives are meant to reclaim democratic functions from bureaucratic overreach.
“It’s critical to ensure America retains financial solvency,” Musk remarked.
“Essentially, we’re discussing the implementation of basic controls that should always have been in place but haven’t been,” Musk noted. “The citizens voted for significant government reform, and that’s what will be delivered.”
Millions of those listed have blank death dates and belong to ages that far exceed the known human lifespan, with over 2,700 individuals listed as having been born at least 200 years ago.
The cumulative total of individuals recorded in the database exceeds the entire U.S. population by nearly 50 million, and many entries lack identifying information, per Musk.
Critics of DOGE, including several high-profile Democratic leaders, have argued its endeavors represent a “constitutional crisis” stemming from what they perceive as an overreach of executive power that undermines congressional authority.
Others contend that Musk’s role in the department is inappropriate due to perceived conflicts of interest, given that his companies have received billions in government contracts recently.
Trump has consistently dismissed any allegations of wrongdoing, asserting that Musk’s activities are under the oversight of his administration and that any conflicts of interest are strictly forbidden.
Mohs suggested that DOGE’s initiatives represent “nothing more than a needed reorganization” aimed at recalibrating federal operations.
He proposed that some individuals within the Washington political system are resisting due to the potential disruption of established power dynamics.
“The swamp doesn’t wish to be drained,” Mohs commented.
Following a federal judge in Manhattan granting a temporary restraining order on certain DOGE inquiries, the president stated that further investigations are necessary.
“It’s hard to believe that judges want to prevent us from investigating corruption,” Trump remarked. “Perhaps we should reevaluate the judges, as I consider this a very serious infringement.”
‘Reciprocal Tariff’ Initiative
Trump’s “America First” strategy is predominantly illustrated by his bold tariff initiative, which is likely to disrupt global trade and impact financial markets.
On Feb. 13, Trump revealed extensive reciprocal tariffs on all U.S. trading partners “for the sake of fairness.”
The president’s strategy seeks to tailor tariffs on a country-by-country basis, potentially set to be implemented as early as April.
This reciprocal tariff initiative is fundamental to the Trump administration’s aim of “leveling the playing field” in international commerce.
On Feb. 10, Trump increased tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports to 25 percent and imposed an additional 10 percent tariff on Chinese imports this month.
In a recent post on social media, Trump reminded the global community of America’s long-standing history of aiding other nations, often “incurring significant financial burdens.”
“It’s time these countries acknowledge this,” he asserted on Feb. 17 via X, justifying his stance.
“On Trade, I have determined that, for fairness, I will impose a RECIPROCAL Tariff, which means whatever countries impose on the United States, we will reciprocate—no more, no less!” Trump stated.
Non-tariff barriers, such as subsidies, will also be integrated into the plan, complicating its execution. Nevertheless, Trump is confident that his team can formulate an equitable proposal for each nation.
“We can clearly assess the cost of these Nonmonetary Trade Barriers. It’s fair to everyone,” he claimed.
Christopher Tang, a supply chain management professor at the University of California–Los Angeles, has cautioned about the potential repercussions of these tariffs.
While Tang acknowledges that Trump’s intention to revive manufacturing and create U.S. jobs resonates with voters, he warns that the execution of these tariffs “could pose challenges.”
“Everything remains uncertain,” he indicated to The Epoch Times, highlighting that Trump’s team must ensure a seamless transition without disrupting supply chains or inciting inflation.
At the same time, a national conversation has erupted regarding whether these tariffs will drive up prices.
Numerous businesses are dubious, thinking the tariffs are merely a negotiating strategy, according to Sunderesh Heragu, a professor at Oklahoma State University’s College of Engineering.
Heragu mentioned to The Epoch Times that even if the tariffs are enforced, industry leaders anticipate they will likely be scaled back.
“If they become permanent, then I believe we’re in for a shock,” he stated.
The CBS poll indicated that the push for tariffs may be exacerbating public anxieties regarding rising prices.
The survey shows that tariffs on imports from Europe, Canada, and Mexico are unpopular among most Americans, with nearly three-quarters believing new tariffs on imported goods would lead to increased prices.
Foreign Policy Transformation
Trump swiftly acted to reshape U.S. foreign policy, leading many to suspect that his second term may be even more tumultuous than his first.
Preceding his inauguration, Trump suggested taking control of Greenland and the Panama Canal to counteract China’s growing influence, even proposing that Canada be designated as the 51st state.
A major early move following his inauguration was threatening to impose tariffs on Canada and Mexico for their insufficient actions against fentanyl trafficking. Though these tariffs were eventually postponed, tensions have persisted as the new 25 percent tariffs on steel and aluminum imports are expected to adversely affect the two neighboring countries.
Trump has already implemented additional tariffs of 10 percent on Chinese products and indicated he is “in no rush” to communicate with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
He also dispatched senior officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, to engage with Russian officials in Saudi Arabia on Feb. 18, initiating discussions aimed at resolving the conflict in Ukraine.
However, Trump encountered difficulties in bringing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the negotiation table.
Post-meeting, he suggested in a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago resort on Feb. 18 that it might be prudent for Ukraine to conduct elections. He implied that replacing Zelenskyy could be a necessity for achieving peace.
“Currently, we face a situation where elections in Ukraine have been suspended, and martial law is in effect,” Trump conveyed to journalists.
“I regret to say, but his approval rating is at a mere 4 percent,” he stated regarding Zelenskyy.
While addressing an audience of global elites at Davos on Jan. 23, Trump sent a clear message to Europe, urging increased defense expenditures and contributions to NATO. He cautioned that U.S. financial support may no longer be assured, emphasizing that his “America First” policies are back in action.
To reinforce this message in Europe, Trump recently sent Vice President JD Vance to Munich to deliver remarks at the Munich Security Conference. Vance’s speech focused on democracy and the defense of conservative ideologies within the European Union.
However, Vance’s expressions were deemed excessively critical by some European leaders. Christoph Heusgen, a German diplomat and former advisor to Chancellor Angela Merkel, was visibly upset, shedding tears as he articulated his dissatisfaction with Vance’s critiques of the international institution.
“After Vice President Vance’s address on Friday, we must fear that our shared value foundation is no longer common,” Heusgen expressed.
Trump has recently committed to imposing tariffs on imports from the European Union.
“The EU has treated us unfairly,” Trump commented to reporters from Mar-a-Lago on Feb. 20. “We need to rectify that situation, and we will.”
Divesting from DEI Programs
Trump has consistently criticized social justice initiatives, particularly diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, throughout his campaign, and swiftly took action on his first day back at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue to terminate the federal government’s involvement in such programs.
An executive order signed within hours of taking office ended what he termed “illegal and immoral discrimination programs.”
“I’m just getting started,” he shared on X. “I have zero tolerance for any loss of your hard-earned tax dollars due to waste or misuse.”
Funding is mandated to be rescinded from any educational programs that “endanger women and girls’ athletic opportunities, resulting in their humiliation, suppression, and loss of privacy.”
“The battle against women’s sports is concluded,” Trump declared prior to signing the order alongside numerous young female athletes. “From this point forward, women’s sports will be exclusive to women.”
He stated that eliminating “aggressive transgender ideology” that has jeopardized female athletes is essential to uphold the dignity and safety of women’s sports.
Officials will also advocate for international regulations to safeguard women’s sports against male participation and prohibitive locker room policies that compel females to tolerate situations with unclothed men.
With the Olympics set to take place in Los Angeles in 2028, the Secretary of State has been instructed to employ all means available to influence the International Olympic Committee and prevent men from competing against women during the games.
