30 Days of Trump: What We’ve Learned So Far

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Today's Signal

Quick Pings

1. President Trump spoke to a joint session of the Congress on March 4, 2025. The speech was notably long, an hour and 40 minutes (longest in modern history) and covered a wide range of topics including: His economic plan, his praise of DOGE (along with listing purported savings), foreign policy, immigration successes and social policies.
2. Tariffs are on, then off again. President Trump has resurrected his policy on Tariff's from his first administration - claiming these Tariffs will make the country billions. But his flip-flopping moves on implanting these Tariffs have led to market uncertainty.
3. DOGE is a hit - but is it constitutional?

The Details

The President spoke to a joint session of congress on March 4, 2025 - an event usually reserved for the State of the Union - to present his case to the American People of the progress of his administration. The speech broke records in length, coming in at one hour and 40 minutes and covered a wide range of topics including: His economic plan, his praise of DOGE and Elon Musk (along with it's purported savings), foreign policy, immigration success and social policies.

President Donald Trump's tariff policy, a big part of his overall economic policy, has been characterized by frequent changes, creating uncertainty for businesses and markets. On February 1, 2025, he announced additional tariffs of 25% on imports from Canada and Mexico, and 10% on imports from China, citing national security concerns related to drug trafficking and illegal immigration.  However, just days later, he delayed the implementation of these tariffs on Mexico and some Canadian imports for a month (until April 2, 2025), following discussions with foreign leaders.  This pattern of abrupt policy shifts has unsettled businesses and investors, as they struggle to adapt to the rapidly changing trade environment.  The administration's move toward "reciprocal tariffs," aiming to match the tariffs imposed by other countries on U.S. exports, represents a significant departure from longstanding trade policies and adds to the prevailing uncertainty.

Another major lever in Trump's second administration was the creation of DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency), headed by Billionaire Elon Musk (despite the administration saying Musk is merely an advisor, which contradicts what Trump has said many times). The basis of DOGE is a good one - weeding out wasteful spending and driving down our debt. But it has not been without some controversy and drama, including an alleged spat between National Security Adviser Marco Rubio and Musk. The department has also faced legal challenges, such as the firings of thousands of government workers along with cutting off payment to foreign aid organizations for services already performed (which SCOTUS upheld a lower court ruling stating payment must be made).

The savings Musk has claimed to have brought to American taxpayers so far has also been questioned, such as an $8 Million contract cancellation that was mistakenly announced as an $8 Billion cancellation. The authority of the department has also come under question when it comes to seizing funds, with many pointing to Article 1 of the Constitution which gives Congress the power of the purse.

What Democrats are Saying

• "Trump Derangement Syndrome" is alive and well
• Democrat Infighting
• "Sexism" played a role in Trumps win
  

The New York Times editorial board published a piece titled "America Makes a Perilous Choice," urging public servants to stand up to Trump and encouraging voters to express their concerns in future elections if his actions don't align with their expectations. They warned that Trump's appointees should anticipate potential requests to carry out illegal acts or violate their oaths to the Constitution. Further, The Guardian's editor-in-chief, Katharine Viner, described Trump's win as a "devastating moment" and called for readers to support the publication in holding the president-elect accountable. She emphasized the potential implications for issues like wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, American democracy, reproductive rights, inequality, and environmental concerns. ​

The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) issued a statement criticizing the Democratic Party establishment for failing to offer a credible alternative to right-wing policies. They argued that this shortcoming paved the way for Trump's return, emphasizing that his presidency would exacerbate bigotry, division, and authoritarian tendencies. Some Democrats have adopted a more introspective approach. An opinion piece by Hadley Freeman in The Times reflects on the party's missteps, noting that dismissing Trump supporters and focusing on abstract ideals without addressing practical economic concerns proved counterproductive. The author argues that Trump's messaging resonated with voters facing economic hardships, suggesting that Democrats need to address real-world problems and avoid reactionary extremism to regain support. ​

In the early stages of Donald Trump's second term, left-leaning individuals and organizations have expressed a range of reactions, from deep concern to introspective critiques. Prominent figures like Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have attributed Trump's re-election to underlying societal issues, stating that "deep-seated sexism" played a significant role in the electoral outcome. She warned of a "scary" and "challenging" period ahead under Trump's leadership

What Republicans are Saying

• Conservatism is back
• Internal Concerns
• Policy initiatives are a hit

Many conservatives have praised President Trump's assertive policy agenda, viewing it as a continuation of his commitment to conservative principles. Initiatives such as the reinstatement of tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico, significant reductions in federal government programs, and a firm stance on immigration have been lauded as steps toward strengthening national sovereignty and economic independence. ​Pastor Jack Graham of Prestonwood Baptist Church in Texas described Trump's agenda as ushering in a "Golden Age," aligning with the values of the religious right and countering liberal ideologies. ​Economic policies have resonated with proponents of national conservatism as well. Organizations like American Compass advocate for a departure from neoliberal economic approaches, favoring protectionist measures such as uniform global tariffs and support for domestic industries. These policies are seen as efforts to revitalize American manufacturing and reduce dependence on foreign economies. ​

Some conservative commentators draw parallels between Trump's strategies and those of former President Richard Nixon, noting both the potential benefits and significant risks associated with such approaches. The New York Post cautions that while bold moves can yield substantial gains, they also carry the possibility of considerable political fallout. Within the conservative movement, there is a spectrum of opinions regarding Trump's policies. While his base remains supportive, traditional conservatives express reservations about certain initiatives, reflecting an ongoing debate about the direction of the Republican Party.​

The right overall supports trumps policy initiatives, with some expressing concern. Axios reports that Trump has implemented 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, aiming to protect American industries. While this move has been praised by some for its boldness, others within conservative circles express concern over potential economic repercussions and strained international relations. The administration's efforts to streamline federal agencies, including significant budget cuts and restructuring, have been met with mixed reactions. DOGE is overall praised by the right, with the idea of cutting waste and non-essential programs a hit. Supporters argue these measures reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies, while critics fear they may undermine essential public services.​

My Take

"My Take" is a place where I give my opinion on this topic. Have a differing opinion or don't agree with me? Reply to this email or leave a comment. As an open and transparent newsletter operation, I welcome the debate and opinions of my readers.

• Trump's second administration has me more worried than his first
• His foreign and economic policies are great in principle, but not without some concerns
• Trump sometimes can't get out of his own way

To put all of my cards on the table, I was a registered Republican for over 20 years up until a couple of years ago when I switched to being an Independent. I align myself to no party, rather, I align myself to principals and ideas that I think is right for our country and who can bring those to Office. Sometimes it's a Republican, other times it may be a Democrat. In some cases, it's an Independent or other 3rd party candidate. To put ourselves in just one box politically I think is short sighted. But that's just my opinion.

Trump's second administration has me more worried than his first. While his first term was unpredictable and often chaotic, yet effective, his return to the White House feels even more aggressive, with fewer constraints and a more hardened approach. The people around him seem more ideologically extreme, and his rhetoric has escalated to a point where compromise feels almost impossible - which is classic Trump. The institutional pushback he faced in his first term—whether from courts, Congress, or the bureaucracy—might be weaker this time around, giving him more room to act on his impulses without resistance. But that's not to say he hasn't been challenged, which top agenda items like taking away Birthright Citizenship and freezing of federal funds. Whether you support or oppose him, there's no denying that his leadership style has become even more combative, raising serious concerns about the stability of governance.

On policy, Trump’s foreign and economic agenda has strong points in theory, and if executed properly can provide a whole host of opportunity for America. But there are some concerns. His America-first economic stance, trade policies, and deregulation efforts have clear benefits for business growth and manufacturing, yet they also risk alienating key global allies and inflating consumer costs via his love for Tariff's. His tough stance on China and border security may resonate with many Americans, but the execution of these policies matters just as much as the intent. If implemented recklessly, they could backfire, creating economic uncertainty and diplomatic tension. While his ideas often sound appealing to his base, the details and long-term consequences of these policies remain critical factors to watch.

But even if his policies were perfect, Trump sometimes can't get out of his own way. His biggest enemy isn't the media, Democrats, or even the so-called "deep state"—it’s himself. His tendency to lash out, hold grudges, flip-flop positions and dominate headlines with personal feuds often distracts from his own agenda. Instead of focusing on policy wins, he frequently stirs controversy that energizes his opposition and keeps his presidency in a constant state of turbulence. If he could rein in his impulses, he might be far more effective. But history suggests that self-discipline isn't in his nature, making it likely that his presidency will remain as much about his persona as it is about his policies.

We're only about a month and a half in to his second administration - so there is still a lot to been seen and proved out. As we've all come to learn, Trump typically has a plan and while it may seem like a chaotic and organized mess - it somehow ends up working out in the end. Time will tell.