WASHINGTON, D.C. — One month into his second term, President Donald J. Trump’s administration has enacted a broad range of policy initiatives, covering immigration enforcement, economic protectionism, energy production, and foreign relations. The White House detailed these actions in a statement Wednesday, emphasizing the administration’s focus on border security, deregulation, and economic growth.
On immigration, Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border and deployed the military, including the 10th Mountain Division, to assist law enforcement. According to ABC News, U.S. Border Patrol apprehensions along the southwest border dropped by 85% between Jan. 21 and Jan. 31 compared to the same period in 2024. The administration also ended the Biden-era “catch-and-release” policy, shut down the CBP One app used for migrant processing, and re-established the “Remain in Mexico” policy for asylum seekers. Additionally, Trump signed the Laken Riley Act into law, requiring the detention of undocumented immigrants charged with violent crimes.
The administration also took measures to deter illegal immigration through economic policies, including the implementation of a 10% tariff on imports from China, citing its role in fentanyl trafficking. Mexico and Canada subsequently announced new measures to combat fentanyl production and trafficking. Trump also ordered the termination of taxpayer-funded public benefits for undocumented immigrants and increased deportation flights.
On the economic front, Trump reinstated tariffs on steel and aluminum, which the White House said were aimed at protecting American manufacturing. Nissan and JSW Steel USA praised the move, with Nissan’s CEO suggesting it could prompt the company to shift production from Mexico to the U.S. Trump also announced the largest artificial intelligence infrastructure project in history, securing $500 billion in private-sector investment, alongside pledges from Saudi Arabia and Taiwan to increase investments in the U.S. The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia revised its first-quarter 2025 economic growth projection upward from 1.9% to 2.5% following these announcements.
Energy policy has been another focus of the administration. Trump rescinded all Biden-era regulations on the energy sector, re-opened 625 million acres for offshore drilling, and lifted restrictions on natural gas exports. The White House also withdrew from the Paris Climate Agreement and suspended federal permitting for large wind farms. The administration claims these steps will lower energy costs for American consumers.
In foreign policy, Trump secured the release of 11 American hostages from countries including Venezuela, Afghanistan, Russia, and Hamas-controlled Gaza. His administration imposed new sanctions on Iran and designated several drug cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations. Trump also hosted world leaders, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, securing pledges for increased investment in the U.S. from Japan.
The administration’s aggressive first month has drawn praise from supporters who see it as a fulfillment of campaign promises, while critics argue that several measures could face legal and diplomatic hurdles.
Trump’s rapid policy implementation signals a dramatic shift in governance, setting the stage for continued changes in the months ahead.