President Donald Trump’s return to the presidency in 2025 has been nothing short of dramatic. From his inaugural address to a flurry of executive actions in his first weeks, the tone of his administration is clear: aggressive, uncompromising and relentlessly catering to his core supporters.
By framing himself as the champion of the “forgotten American,” Trump has cemented his role as a disruptor of the political establishment. His rhetoric has fueled distrust in the media, cast doubt on election integrity and empowered a brand of politics that prioritizes loyalty over governance, leaving lasting damage to the stability of American democracy.
The message is clear: Trump’s America in 2025 is focused on unilateralism, prioritizing national interests over global cooperation. While this approach appeals to his base, it risks alienating allies and further isolating the U.S. on the world stage — a risky gamble for a country still navigating economic and geopolitical challenges.
His initial moves also reveal a presidency that risks deepening divisions at a time when the country is already struggling with polarization. One of Trump’s earliest moves was issuing a series of executive orders aimed at fulfilling his long-standing promises to tighten immigration controls. Among these actions was a directive to resume and accelerate construction of the southern border wall, a policy centerpiece of his 2016 campaign. Additionally, the administration reinstated “Remain in Mexico” -style policies for asylum seekers, requiring them to wait outside the United States while their claims are processed.
While Trump’s supporters have praised these moves as decisive and necessary for securing the nation’s borders, sanctuary cities and immigration advocacy groups have already pledged legal challenges, arguing they perpetuate a climate of fear and exclusion.
True to his campaign pledge to “unleash American energy,” Trump has rolled back environmental regulations with a renewed focus on fossil fuels. On his third day in office, he signed an executive order opening up federal lands for new oil and gas drilling, aiming to lower energy costs and reduce dependency on foreign sources. The administration has also signaled a reversal of Biden-era climate initiatives, withdrawing the U.S. from international climate commitments and slashing funding for renewable energy programs.
These moves have delighted industry leaders and conservative lawmakers, but have done little to address the immediate financial pressures faced by average Americans, along with drawing sharp criticism from environmentalists who warn of the long-term consequences for the planet.
In another bold move, Trump has hinted at imposing tariffs on foreign imports, particularly from China, in an effort to protect American manufacturing jobs. While this approach is consistent with his “America First” doctrine, economists warn that such measures could provoke trade wars and raise prices for consumers, ultimately undermining Trump’s claims of prioritizing affordability and economic relief.
In a surprising shift, Trump has also emphasized the development of artificial intelligence and technological innovation, promising significant federal investment to ensure the U.S. remains competitive globally. However, the administration’s simultaneous dismantling of diversity and
equity initiatives have drawn backlash from corporate leaders and social justice advocates, who argue that inclusion is vital for innovation and workforce development.
Trump’s foreign policy, as expected, has been unorthodox and unpredictable. In his first week, he announced the U.S. withdrawal from a series of multilateral agreements, including the re-entry into the Paris Climate Agreement that the Biden administration had championed. Trump’s interactions with foreign leaders have also raised eyebrows, as he publicly criticized NATO allies while signaling a willingness to strengthen ties with leaders of authoritarian regimes.
Trump’s approach to communication remains as fiery as ever. He has leveraged social media and public rallies to speak directly to his supporters, bypassing traditional media outlets that he continues to label as “fake news.” His administration has embraced a combative tone, doubling down on culture war issues that energize his base but polarize the electorate.
The tone Trump has set in his opening weeks suggests a presidency defined by confrontation — whether with the media, political opponents or international allies. But his failure to address the economic concerns he campaigned on — including inflation and the rising cost of everyday essentials — raises questions about the true priorities of his administration, and whether this approach will galvanize his base enough to sustain his agenda or whether it will stress the divides that have plagued the country in recent years.
Maya Morvis is a Sophomore studying Journalism and Political Science. Do you agree President Trump is creating more uncertainty for America? Send all comments to opinion@dailycardinal.com
