Trump Ending a Year of Historic Accomplishments … Three More to Go
As the calendar flips to the year 2026, President Trump is approaching the conclusion of the first year of his second term – which officially ends on January 20th. And what a year it has been.
Whether you like Trump personally or not – or whether you give him high marks for policy achievements or not – there should be universal agreement that he is the most controversial and the most accomplished President in American history. Not the greatest President, but the most accomplished. The greatness category is reserved for presidents like George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.
Not since the Civil War has a President been as maligned as Trump by half the nation. Never during his presidential years did he win the favor of a majority of the American people. In fact, he often had record‑low favorability ratings. Trump’s initial success in 2016 was amazing, but his return to the Oval Office again in 2025 – after four years of scandal, demonization, and court cases – was amazement to the one‑hundredth power.
From the onset of his second term, it was obvious that this was not going to be a traditional presidency – and not even a presidency similar to his first term. Freed of the necessity to keep one eye on reelection, Trump became a President with no need to compromise.
A Presidency Defined by Style
If there is anything unique about a Trump presidency, it is most notably his style. Unlike his predecessor, he does not conceal pugnacity, belligerence and gut-level combativeness. It is on full display in his public appearances – from rally speeches to Oval Office press events. It is seen in public so often because Trump is in the public eye more than any President in history – a complete reversal from the most sequestered President since the advent of the radio –Joe Biden.
Trump brings the American people into the governing process more than any President – and even supporters say it is too much for his own good. He often blurts out policy as it occurs to him – rather than going through a deliberative process with aides and advisors to form a consensus. Consequently, he frequently changes his mind, giving an appearance — and often a reality — of chaos and instability. He allows us to see “the sausage being made”.
But most of the Trump chaos is strategic. “Good chaos,” one might say – at least in terms of his mission. That is because Trump came to the presidency as a disrupter. The adversary of the status quo and “the establishment”. Not only did he intend to change the trajectory of government, but its structure, as well. He made no secret of his intentions in his campaigns.
For many reasons the Trump style alone makes him a standout among all his predecessors.
A Presidency Defined by Scale
Trump’s second term has been defined by a pace of executive action unmatched in modern times – or ever. In his first year back in office, he issued more than 200 Executive Orders, a number that dwarfs the lifetime totals of previous Presidents. Supporters argue that this was not impulsive governance but a deliberate attempt to rapidly reverse what he viewed as years of bureaucratic stagnation. The plan was to “flood the zone.”
In just days after Trump taking the oath of office, his Executive Orders started reshaping entire sectors of the federal government.
- Immigration enforcement and asylum rules
- Energy production and environmental regulation
- Federal workforce rules and civil service protections
- Education standards and accreditation
- Trade enforcement and tariff structures
- Military readiness and procurement
- Drug enforcement priorities
- Cybersecurity and intelligence coordination
The federal government itself shrank dramatically. Through a combination of Executive Orders, agency consolidation, and attrition‑based workforce reduction, Trump supporters applauded the elimination of tens of thousands of federal positions and the reduction or merging of numerous agencies and commissions. Several regulatory offices were dissolved outright. Long‑standing programs were sunsetted. Layers of bureaucracy that had existed for decades were peeled away.
Whether one approves of these changes or not, they represent a structural transformation of government rarely seen outside wartime. Only President Franklin Roosevelt comes closest to the scope and rapidity of the changes.
Immigration: A Complete Reorientation of National Policy
Trump’s immigration agenda in his second term has been one of the most sweeping in American history. The border was effectively sealed in record time. With a sweep of the pen, he:
- Expanded physical barriers
- Increased military deployment
- Established new asylum restrictions
- Reversed protective asylum for special groups
- Accelerated deportation procedures
Supporters argue that deportations reached levels not seen in decades and that illegal border crossings dropped sharply as a result. Critics call the policies harsh, but even they acknowledge the scale of the shift. This was not incremental reform. It was a wholesale reorientation of national immigration policy.
A Return to Aggressive Crime and Drug Enforcement
Trump also launched a series of anti‑crime and anti‑drug initiatives that dramatically expanded federal involvement in local law enforcement. These included:
- Major crackdowns on fentanyl trafficking
- Expanded DEA operations targeting cartel networks
- New mandatory minimum sentencing guidelines
- Federal task forces and National Guard units deployed to high‑crime cities
- Increased penalties for repeat violent offenders
- Enhanced border drug‑interdiction operations
Supporters argue that fentanyl seizures increased dramatically and that violent crime declined in several major cities after federal intervention. Critics accused Trump of abuse of power. Whether one agrees with the methods or not, the scale of federal engagement is unprecedented in recent decades.
Foreign Policy: Speak Loudly and Carry a Big Stick
Trump’s foreign policy in his second term has been defined by a combination of restraint and boldness – though he never took up President Teddy Roosevelt’s “speak softly” portion of the admonition. Trump simultaneously:
- Settled or de‑escalated several long‑running conflicts
- Authorized targeted military strikes against Iran
- Destroyed multiple terrorist networks
- Ordered military operations against Venezuelan narco terrorists
- Increased pressure on China while maintaining trade leverage
- Made himself the mediator of the Ukrainian crisis
- Cajoled NATO members to increase their financial contributions.
Critics often claim Trump damaged alliances, but supporters point to the numbers. NATO nations have increased their defense spending significantly, with many now meeting or exceeding the 2 percent GDP benchmark. Trump’s blunt approach — often criticized as undiplomatic — produced measurable financial commitments that previous presidents struggled to secure. Contrary to the predictions of his adversaries, Trump made NATO stronger.
And despite claims that he alienated foreign leaders, Trump has maintained strong relationships with several key nations. His supporters argue that he is more popular abroad than his critics admit, particularly among countries that value strong borders, national sovereignty, and transactional diplomacy. His lavish welcome events in the Middle East, Japan, England, and other nations attest to his popularity.
The Middle East: A Work in Progress, but Remarkably Effective
Trump’s Middle East initiatives have been among the most consequential of his presidency. Building on earlier diplomatic frameworks – such as the Abraham Accords — he expanded normalization agreements between Israel and several Arab nations. Supporters argue that:
- Regional cooperation increased
- Terrorist activity declined in several areas
- New economic partnerships emerged
- Iran’s regional influence was checked through sanctions and targeted strikes
- Hamas has been greatly diminished.
- Syria shifted away from Russia toward the United States.
- Weakened major terrorist organizations, such as Hezbollah and the Houthis.
The region is not entirely peaceful, but Trump’s approach — pressure combined with negotiation — has produced more tangible results than decades of traditional diplomacy.
The “Big Beautiful Bill”: A Legislative Earthquake
The crown jewel of Trump’s second term has been the passage of the Big Beautiful Bill, described by supporters as one of the largest and most comprehensive pieces of legislation in American history. It included:
- Tax restructuring
- Energy deregulation
- Infrastructure investment
- Health care reforms
- Education policy changes
- New border security funding
- Federal workforce restructuring
Whether one loves or hates the bill, its scope is undeniable. It rewrote entire sections of federal law in a single stroke. It is almost impossible to find any single piece of legislation that has covered so much ground – an unprecedented achievement.
Why Critics Struggle to Counter Him
Trump’s critics have found themselves overwhelmed for three reasons:
- The pace of change is too fast. By the time opponents mobilize against one policy, Trump has already implemented several more.
- Many actions are executive in nature. Courts can slow him down, but they cannot stop him quickly.
- His base remains intensely loyal. This gives him political freedom unmatched by most modern presidents.
The result is a presidency defined not by consensus, but by accomplishment — whether one approves of those accomplishments or not.
A Presidency Impossible to Ignore
Trump is not a unifying figure. He is not universally admired. But he is universally consequential. His presidency is defined by action, transformation, and disruption. He has reshaped the federal government, redefined America’s role in the world, and altered the balance of power within the executive branch.
To call him “failed” or “corrupt” is to ignore the reality of what he has done. One may oppose his policies, but one cannot deny their impact. Those locked into unbridled Trump hatred – and fail to recognize his accomplishments – are doomed to be naysayers. They fear to face the reality … that Trump is arguably the most accomplished President in American history — not because everyone agrees with him, but because no one can ignore him.
So, there ‘tis.
Pay attention Dunger You might learn something.
I am surprised no mention was made of his personal accomplishments.
His personal wealth grew by approximately $3 billion in his first year. Driven by cryptocurrency ventures, real estate and licensing deals (especially with foreign governments), favorable policy changes, foreign “gifts” and the leveraging of presidential power to benefit his business interests. These gains were made with documented conflicts of interest. He has proven himself to be the most self serving Presidential Grifter in our history; his base loves him for it and his Party is too cowed to stop the steal.
One can only wonder how much he and … $$$ the Family Trump $$$ … will amass in the next three years. Anybody wanna buy a Trump Watch … how about a Trump Guitar … Digital Trading cards … Meme coins … Gold sneakers … Trump Bible … etc. etc. etc. Gotta love this guy!!!!
There ’tis
Respectfully ,
CKH
You gotta love a Hoover vacuum job as Larry figuratively sucks all the oxygen from the room in his staring role of sycophant. When you see a conclusionary year-end wrap story, one expects the tale of the tape and when it’s not there, namely, few numbers, less statistics, it’s a pretty sure sign of of a special spin. Horist depicts this guy as more productive than Reagan. The people say otherwise.
I question 200 EO’s as a major milestone given his past comments on any Democratic EO as voiding the Constitution. Nor does he mention, with Don EO’s, we can reverse on day one of holding the Oval. Feckless attempts to make law with edicts. He does mention the BBB, that massive bill protecting the rich as the cost of the poor as his shining moment. Fuhgits to mention that under Trump, we are in legislation atrophy, Trump has Congress in a coma. Longest shutdown in history, Johnson told everyone stay home for longest vacation ever, a modern record for just under 40 bills in a year, most for new names and such. Massive departures as today, Trump is cannibalizing his own party with wild abandon.
He claims a lack of results in the Middle East as a work in progress. I guess like Ukraine, Iran, and now Venezuela, Greenland, DC, Chicago, LA, and Minneapolis. We are shooting each other more than ever. Amazingly he has brought the militarization of the Middle East back home to our backdoors. Lucky for me, I am near NYC which is commie central and Trump loves the guy and the commie King, so hands off. Used to be he was against forever wars, one of his positives, but now they are just WIP. Makes one wonder: WIFM.
Here’s a bottom line to consider: if this guy is better than Reagan, they why does everyone beyond his core MAGA zealots dislike him and his policies, so, so, much. His latest polls, around 1/9, show a rally-round-the flag bump in approval, with an unusual bump in disapproval at the same time. It’s a love-hate, but mostly hate thing. In comparison to Biden at this time, Trump’s disproval is higher, he’s even hated 30% higher than Trump 1.0 at this point. Obama blows him away. And Bush blows all their shit in the weeds.
The people have spoken and you can’t polish that turd: *https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/polls/donald-trump-approval-rating-polls.html*
Oops; shoulda waited for Dec. jobs report; worst hiring year since 2020, not a great sign to match the year of Covid.. Inflation still up, jobs down, Trump’s response is to make debt easier to access; not a great thing to build more debt right now.
Markets at an all time high with experts recommending more fixed assets, less equities as Trump tries to bully oil companies to invest is his new forever war in Venezuela.
Is this maga; is this America first? To import gang members now? I hope the economy bounces back but figure Trump will fire another bls head to fix the flagging numbers.
Dunger is lying again. He’s going to go to hell.
The December jobs report shows the worst hiring year since 2020. Let’s see Eric refute with more than spew.
in December, iInflation still up, jobs down qnd Trump’s response is to make debt easier to access by demanding that credit card companies charge 10% for a year. Let’s see Eric refute that will more than swill.
Markets at an all time high with experts recommending more fixed assets, less equities (Vanguard). Come on Eric, show us the truth.
Trump tries to bully oil companies to invest is his new forever war in Venezuela. And they are cautious. Show us the truth that differs from that. .
Is this maga; is this America first? To import gang members now? I hope the economy bounces back but figure Trump will fire another bls head to fix the flagging numbers. He fired her in August, his replacement was so dismal, even Republicans said no,.
Come on man, show us the money, show us the truth, prove me a liar. Eric be da man to get this done. Or something else not to stand up for himself. Willow.
Dunger we are in great shape politically. So go play secret games with your daughter
Ericdunglover: last post since you are too stupid to even spell my name. I am not mad at you man so don’t shoot me in the face.
Let’s see Eric refute anything I said with more than stupid spew. Nope, spew doo doo is all Eric has. I asked, he faltered, can’t discuss anything except his fantasies for my non-existent daughter.
Let’s see Eric refute what I said with more than swill. Nope, this dickless wonder can’t back up his shit.
Come on Eric, show us the truth. Show us how Vanguard, bls, the oil companies all lie.
All you got is an attack on me, a person you don”t even know. You can’t refute the facts, you can’t argue a point, all you got is childish taunts about my non-existent daughter.
Is Eric personifies MAGA, this thing is over come November.
I hope the economy bounces back, I’m glad Eric is in great shape politically, not sure what he even means, but if if makes him feel Good, then Good for him. .I’m not mad at you man, just either say something meaningful or bugger off.
You guys are so funny getting a rise by taunting people you don’t even know..
Why would I shoot you in the face? Unless you’re trying to run me over like the ICE hero And they are doing a great job. We are blessed to have such great patriots on our side. Remember Dunger. They are in the right
Red pill. Blue pill. Black pill. We all can see who is who here.
Hold on to your hats, this is one where I don’t know…. It’s really from the Rand Paul waste story, but since Larry is an economist, would love to see his spin on all this. Pretty earth shattering changes since Bush Jr and Obama.
Paul brings up the issue of Excess Bank Reserves where he claims the interest we pay is waste. Oh my, he does not even have a clue what a hornet’s nest this is OR how it’s a major controlling factor of our money supply, i.e. our economy. He’s playing with monetary nuclear forces and seems oblivious to that fact. I know that I do not get it yet and have been looking at it since 2010.
Some history. In the beginning, before 2008, we demanded all banks keep a 10% reserve to cover payments to avoid bank runs and failures. This kicked off what was known as the money-multiplier effect which was for each dollar entering the money supply, it would be loaned out, with 10% reserved, ultimately return to a bank, and be loaned out again, 10% reserved, and that process repeated ten times. Thus, a new dollar entering the money supply multiplied about ten times before exhausted into reserves. At this point in our economy, no bank held Excess Reserves, everything was loaned out.
Around 2007, the Fed, during Bush Jr, created the concept of paying interest on Excess Reserves held by banks at the Fed. At the beginning of the Great Recession, during Obama, they operationalized this as he rolled his $800+B “free money” stimulus in 2009. I, the savvy investor, missed all this while hording cash preparing to buy fixed assets as interest rates would climb with all the free money inflation. It never happened. Why? Because I missed the new interest paid on the new Excess Reserves which grew from $0 to $1T in about a year and over $2T by 2015. Today, we are holding, and paying interest with taxpayer dollars on $2-$4T, a good amount to foreign banks doing business in the US, including a wad to China. That’s the waste Paul is talking about. The Obama stimulus, about 800B, basically ended up as excess reserves being transitory to the money supply, no inflation, no interest rise. I got caught holding the bag.. I said “won’t be fooled again,” and now, have been fooled again…
In the beginning, the interest paid was negligible, like under 2%. Today it’s 3.65% which is just under the rate you can get a brokered CD for; it’s a pretty good rate on a risk-free deal for the banks who no longer expense a loan business with all those people and machines, but now just plunk it risk-free at the Fed, hire one guy named Al to make quarterly charts, and have a happy day. That’s the amount Rand calls waste. Al disagrees.
Here’s my second miss, it’s recent. There’s a new wrinkle in that in 2020, the Fed totally removed the 10% reserve requirement which ended the concept of “the money multiplier” as excess reserves grew to $4T. Overnight, a complete end to the money multiplier concept ruling economic thought since 1863 with extra powers in 1935, after the depression. Today, can you imagine the destruction to the economy if we release $4T into our money supply? The total covid response, soup to nuts, was $4.6T and look at the havoc caused. This is big stuff and, at this point, you cannot just turn off the spicket to stop interest payments. And behind the screen, realize that the Fed now controls the money supply with two different interest rates; one for Federal Funds and this Excess Reserves rate known as the IORB. It’s spooky ju ju like stuff and most of us don’t even know it’s happening, and those who do, can’t figure out what it means. But as Rand notes, we spent $187B covering this IORB interest last year Perhaps a drop in the bucket versus the damage caused by ending payments releasing $4T into the money supply. Instead, the Fed uses the IORB to “manage” how the banks save and spend these funds which, in turn, manages the money supply. Raise the rate, get more Excess Reserves, lower the money supply, and the opposite works too. Just like raise the Fed Rate and get less loans, or lower the rate and get more loans, more money in the system. We can argue the brilliance of using debt to manage the money supply, but I am sure your grey matter is running out your ears as is mine.
It’s really scary stuff and being naive enough to claim all interest is waste leads one to basically destroy our economy for less than $200B in interest to retain what stability we know today. We have seen what $4T in free money can do, that’s the Excess Reserve level too. Excess Reserves are a major reason that these stimuli do not tank the economy faster, but as seen under Biden, it is not the perfect panacea to end inflation and recession. And I have not a clue how these levers really change our economy, how the Federal Funds rate modifies the economy versus the IORB rate, feel free to illuminate if you do.
Attached is a compelling overview, but bear in mind that all have an ax to grind here, this one comes from the Fed. Powell says: “Well, when you and I studied economics a million years ago, M2 and monetary aggregates generally seemed to have a relationship to economic growth… that classic relationship between monetary aggregates and economic growth and the size of the economy, it just no longer holds… so something we have to unlearn, I guess.”
Interesting read: may take a couple, I’m on my third… *https://www.stlouisfed.org/publications/page-one-economics/2021/09/17/teaching-the-linkage-between-banks-and-the-fed-r-i-p-money-multiplier*