Shaping a New Era: The First Year of Trump's Second Term
As President Trump marked his first year in office, a significant shift in America's approach to foreign policy and allies became apparent. But what were the key themes that defined this pivotal period? From slashing federal jobs to targeting political enemies, we delve into the major developments that have left an indelible mark on Washington.A New Era of Federal Downsizing
One of the most striking features of Trump's second term has been his relentless pursuit of reducing the federal workforce. With a vow to cut waste, fraud, and abuse in government, President Trump enlisted the help of Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The results were staggering: over 317,000 federal employees lost their jobs by November, although some positions were reinstated after court challenges. But did the savings live up to the hype? CBS News' analysis revealed that the actual cost-cutting was a fraction of what was claimed.
Targeting Agencies and Programs
The Trump administration has been on a mission to dismantle agencies and programs deemed unnecessary or inefficient. The U.S. Agency for International Development, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), and even the Education Department have all been in the crosshairs. The president's goal is to return education decisions to states, but critics argue that this will only exacerbate existing inequalities. Meanwhile, the attorney general has gutted the Justice Department office responsible for prosecuting public corruption cases.
A New Approach to Foreign Policy
President Trump's first year in office saw a significant shift in America's approach to foreign policy and allies. The withdrawal from the World Health Organization, coupled with the elimination of 20,000 jobs from the Health and Human Services Department, has left many wondering about the future of global health initiatives. But what does this mean for the country's relationships with other nations? And will these changes have far-reaching consequences for American interests abroad?
The National Debt Continues to Climb
Despite the president's promises to reduce federal spending, the national debt continues to soar. According to data analyzed by the Peterson Foundation, outlays in December 2025 were $5 billion higher than in December 2024. This raises questions about the long-term sustainability of Trump's policies and whether they will ultimately benefit or harm the country.
As we reflect on the first year of President Trump's second term, it is clear that his administration has left an indelible mark on Washington. From slashing federal jobs to targeting agencies and programs, these key themes have set a new course for America's approach to governance. But what does this mean for the future? Will these changes ultimately benefit or harm the country? Only time will tell.
