In recent years, President Donald Trump has implemented a range of policies that have significantly impacted the United States, particularly in areas of immigration, governance, and historical preservation. His administration has prioritized the arrest and deportation of undocumented immigrants, collaborating with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and over 600 local police departments to identify and remove undocumented individuals, especially in cities led by Democratic mayors.

In 2025, upon returning to office, Trump pardoned over 1,500 individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, a move that raised questions about accountability and the rule of law. This decision faced criticism from various political figures, including his Vice President, J.D. Vance, and Chief of Staff, Susie Wiles, who expressed concerns regarding its implications.

The administration's immigration policies have been characterized by a significant increase in deportations, with the Department of Homeland Security reporting over 600,000 removals in 2025, the highest in U.S. history. This aggressive stance has raised ethical concerns regarding the treatment of asylum seekers and the broader implications for human rights.

On the economic front, Trump's administration has enacted tax cuts favoring wealthier individuals while reducing funding for safety-net programs such as Medicaid and food assistance, disproportionately affecting low-income populations. Although Social Security remains untouched, the cuts to other programs have raised alarms about the welfare of vulnerable communities.

The administration has also pursued aggressive deregulation, including withdrawing from international climate agreements and promoting fossil fuel extraction on public lands. Civil rights enforcement mechanisms have been weakened, and immigration policies have become increasingly stringent, affecting both undocumented individuals and those holding valid visas.

In terms of governance, Trump's administration has seen a notable expansion of presidential authority, with significant reductions in the federal workforce and the establishment of Project 2025 by the Heritage Foundation. This initiative aims to create a framework for a future right-wing presidency that prioritizes executive power over legislative oversight and civil service integrity. By mid-November, over 315,000 federal employees had left their positions, raising questions about the impact on public services and international aid.

The administration's approach has also included plans to demolish historic buildings in Washington, D.C., including 13 structures on the West Campus of the Department of Homeland Security. This has drawn criticism from preservation organizations, which argue that the safety concerns cited by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem reflect broader security issues within the facility itself.

As 2025 concluded, public discontent was evident, with approximately 60% of Americans disapproving of Trump's presidency. The political landscape appears to be shifting, with potential challenges ahead for Trump and his party in the upcoming midterm elections. The lasting impact of the policies enacted during this period continues to provoke discussion about the future of governance and social justice in the United States.