WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Trump administration released a list of policy initiatives and accomplishments from its seventh week in office, highlighting gains in border security, economic growth, trade policy, and national security.
Border Security and Immigration Enforcement
Illegal border crossings reportedly fell to the lowest level on record in February, down 94% from the same month last year and 96% from the all-time high recorded under the Biden administration. The Del Rio Sector saw a 99% decline in illegal immigrant encounters over the past year. Fox News correspondent Bill Melugin noted that there were so few crossings that it would be difficult to find a migrant on camera.
The administration also announced the arrest of two individuals accused of running one of the largest human smuggling operations in the U.S. Meanwhile, the Department of State imposed new visa restrictions on foreign officials facilitating illegal immigration and revoked the visa of an international student linked to “Hamas-supporting disruptions.”
Economic Growth and Manufacturing Rebound
The administration reported a resurgence in manufacturing jobs, with the U.S. gaining 10,000 positions in February after losing an average of 9,000 jobs per month during the final year of the Biden administration. The auto sector added nearly 9,000 jobs in February—the most in 15 months—following significant losses in 2023.
The overall manufacturing sector expanded at its fastest pace since mid-2022, marking the second consecutive month of growth under Trump. Mortgage rates also fell for a seventh straight week, posting the largest weekly drop since September.
A new study found that Trump’s deregulation policies have saved Americans an estimated $180 billion, equating to $2,100 in savings per family of four. The administration also suspended enforcement of Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting requirements, which small business groups had criticized as burdensome and invasive.
Major Corporate Investments
Several major corporations announced investments in U.S. industries:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) committed $100 billion to expand its Arizona operations, marking the largest foreign direct investment in U.S. history.
- Shipping giant CMA CGM pledged $20 billion to U.S. shipping and logistics, creating 10,000 jobs.
- Venture Global announced an $18 billion investment in its Plaquemines LNG export facility, a move made possible by Trump’s energy policies.
- Siemens committed $285 million to expand electrical product manufacturing, creating 900 skilled jobs.
- Clarios, a Wisconsin-based energy storage company, revealed a $6 billion plan to expand U.S. operations.
- Honda announced it would manufacture its next-generation Civic in Indiana instead of Mexico due to Trump’s tariffs.
- Automaker Stellantis pledged to increase domestic vehicle production.
Trade Policy and Tariffs
President Trump continued leveraging tariffs to pressure Mexico, Canada, and China to crack down on the flow of fentanyl and other illicit drugs. The administration imposed an additional 10% tariff on all Chinese imports, a move supported by the United Auto Workers (UAW), which called the measure necessary to reverse “the free trade disaster that has dropped like a bomb on the working class.”
The Department of Energy approved an LNG permit extension for the Golden Pass LNG Terminal in Texas, marking the second LNG approval since Trump reversed the Biden administration’s export ban.
Foreign Policy and National Security
The administration announced the capture of Mohammad “Jafar” Sharifullah, the ISIS-K terrorist responsible for orchestrating the 2021 Abbey Gate attack in Afghanistan that killed 13 U.S. service members.
The Department of State formally designated the Iran-backed Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization following an executive order issued earlier this year. Additional visa restrictions were placed on foreign officials linked to illegal immigration and terrorism.
The Trump administration expedited the delivery of $4 billion in military assistance to Israel while increasing counterterrorism efforts through changes in military raid and airstrike protocols.
Additionally, a U.S.-based consortium acquired control of key ports on both sides of the Panama Canal from CK Hutchison Holdings, bringing them back under American oversight.
Domestic Policy and Cultural Actions
President Trump issued executive orders affecting various domestic policies:
- English was officially designated as the United States’ national language.
- The Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge was renamed in memory of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray, who was murdered by two illegal immigrants.
- An executive order was signed to increase American timber production, alongside an investigation into national security risks related to foreign-controlled timber supplies.
- The administration established the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and U.S. Digital Asset Stockpile to position the U.S. as a leader in cryptocurrency.
Additionally, the Small Business Administration implemented new citizenship verification requirements for loan applications and relocated offices out of sanctuary cities.
Government and Higher Education Oversight
The administration took steps to curb anti-Semitism on college campuses, canceling $400 million in federal grants to Columbia University over alleged inaction on protecting Jewish students. Further measures were announced to prevent anti-Semitic incidents in higher education.
A legal brief filed by an inspector general affirmed that Trump had the authority to remove 16 U.S. inspectors general, reinforcing executive power over federal oversight bodies.
Infrastructure and Disaster Recovery
The administration announced the early reopening of a section of Interstate 40 between North Carolina and Tennessee, which had been destroyed by Hurricane Helene. The repairs were completed three times faster and at a lower cost than initially projected.
Additionally, Fort Moore in Georgia was officially renamed Fort Benning in honor of World War I hero Army Cpl. Fred G. Benning.