In 2025, President Donald Trump returned to the White House, marking a significant chapter in U.S. politics. His second nonconsecutive term saw aggressive executive actions and a focus on an “America First” agenda. However, his policies led to significant legal challenges, economic strain, and record-low popularity by year’s end.
Trump’s Executive Actions and Legislative Stalemate
Upon his inauguration in 2025, Trump signed 26 executive orders on his first day. By December 18, he had issued a total of 225, significantly more than in his prior term. This rapid expansion of executive power was largely unchecked by Congress, which passed only 61 laws during this period.
Partisan Division and Government Shutdown
The 119th Congress was marked by sharp partisan divides, contributing to the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. Despite Republican control of both chambers, they struggled to pass legislation due to a lack of votes in the Senate.
Litigation Against Trump’s Administration
Trump’s unilateral decisions spurred extensive legal challenges. A total of 358 lawsuits were filed against his administration, with 149 successfully blocking his initiatives. Many of these cases focused on his immigration policies and funding decisions.
Economic Impact of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act
Trump introduced the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” projected to add at least $3 trillion to the national deficit over the next decade. This legislation favors high-income taxpayers and threatens to reverse healthcare gains made under previous administrations.
Trade and Tariff Policies
One of the centerpieces of Trump’s economic strategy was imposing tariffs. Starting on April 2, 2025, he established a 10% tariff on imports, pushing the average effective tariff rate to a historic 16.8%, the highest since 1935.
Immigration Policy Changes
Trump’s immigration reforms included sealing the southern border, resulting in a dramatic decline in encounters to an average of 15,400 per month. Legal immigration was heavily restricted through various measures, including increased fees and a pause on asylum applications.
Unemployment and Job Creation
By November 2025, the unemployment rate rose to 4.6%, a significant increase since January. Job growth sharply declined, with an average creation of just 55,000 jobs per month, a stark contrast to previous administrations.
Inflation and Economic Sentiment
Concerns about affordability became prevalent as inflation persisted, peaking at a 3% annual rate. Consumer sentiment fell to its second-lowest level since tracking began in 1952, reflecting deep public dissatisfaction with the economy.
Presidential Approval Ratings
Trump’s approval rating by year’s end stood at a mere 36%, the lowest for any president after their first year in recent decades. His handling of various issues, including the economy and healthcare, was heavily criticized.
Emerging Technologies and Public Reaction
Amid Trump’s presidency, the rise of artificial intelligence technology captured public interest. By September, ChatGPT had attracted nearly 800 million active users weekly, sparking debates over its impact on jobs and the economy.
As Trump’s first year in office concluded, his administration had left a mixed legacy of significant policy changes, legal battles, and declining public approval.
