Trump Reshapes U.S. Policy in First Month, But Faces Resistance/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ In his first month back in office, President Donald Trump has moved aggressively to reshape U.S. policies, from mass federal worker layoffs to new trade tariffs and border crackdowns. His administration, with the backing of Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), is pushing a radical government overhaul. However, rising inflation, economic warning signs, legal challenges, and congressional resistance signal growing obstacles. Trump’s foreign policy shift, including talks with Vladimir Putin, has further stirred global tensions.
Trump’s First Month: Aggressive Moves and Growing Resistance – Quick Look
- Federal Layoffs: Thousands of probationary workers fired across multiple agencies.
- Legal Challenges: Over 70 lawsuits filed against Trump’s executive orders and government downsizing.
- Economic Warnings: Inflation rising, retail sales down, and factory output slowing.
- Tariff Escalation: Trump announces sweeping new import taxes, despite concerns over inflation.
- Congressional Pushback: Lawmakers—both Republican and Democrat—are resisting some of Trump’s most extreme policies.
- Foreign Policy Shift: Trump initiates negotiations with Russia while downplaying Ukraine’s NATO prospects.
Deep Look: Trump’s First Month—Bold Moves, Mounting Challenges
Federal Layoffs Hit Thousands
In a sweeping workforce purge, Trump’s administration fired thousands of federal workers, many with less than an hour’s notice. These included:
- Medical researchers
- Foreign service officers
- FBI agents and prosecutors
- Consumer protection regulators
At the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), created after the 2008 financial crisis, workers claim the administration is not only firing staff but also trying to erase 12 years of consumer protection data. A federal judge has temporarily blocked further agency dismantling until March 3.
While Trump campaigned on “draining the swamp,” his mass layoffs could disrupt key government functions and raise unemployment if large numbers of federal workers remain jobless.
Trump’s Policies Face 70+ Lawsuits
Legal battles against Trump’s policies began on Inauguration Day and haven’t stopped. His administration is currently facing over 70 lawsuits challenging:
- The termination of birthright citizenship
- Mass government downsizing led by Elon Musk’s DOGE
- Broad executive powers being used without Congressional approval
Courts have already blocked more than a dozen Trump policies. Even Republican-appointed judges have ruled against some of his decisions, prompting Trump to hint at targeting the judiciary.
“Maybe we have to look at the judges.” – Donald Trump
Despite setbacks, Trump scored a major win when a judge ruled in favor of his deferred resignation program, allowing mass buyouts of federal employees.
Economic Warnings: Inflation and Consumer Confidence Drop
While Trump promised voters he would “immediately” lower inflation, the latest economic data suggests otherwise:
- Inflation rose by 0.5% in January, with a 4.5% annualized increase over the past three months.
- Retail sales dropped 0.9%, a sign of weakened consumer confidence.
- Factory output declined, with auto production falling 5.2%.
Even White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt admitted inflation numbers were “worse than expected” but blamed President Biden’s previous policies.
Trump has doubled down on tariffs, despite economic concerns that they could drive prices even higher.
Trump’s Tariff Plan: “The Big One”
Trump has begun implementing sweeping new tariffs, calling them “the big one”. His administration plans to match tariffs imposed by other nations—but foreign leaders argue his calculations are flawed.
- Trump’s new trade penalties target:
- China, Canada, and Mexico
- Autos, computer chips, and pharmaceuticals
- Steel and aluminum (25% tariff already announced)
“Are these tariffs a negotiation tactic or a way to raise revenue?” – Economic analysts
So far, Trump has suggested both, keeping markets and businesses guessing.
Congress Reacts: Resistance Grows
Trump’s rapid executive actions are challenging Congress’s traditional authority over federal spending and policymaking.
- House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) praised Musk’s government overhaul, calling it “exciting.”
- Some Republicans are privately pushing back, concerned about home-state job losses.
- Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-Fla.) publicly opposed Trump’s plan to deport Venezuelan migrants in Miami.
Meanwhile, Democrats have staged protests and are proposing legislation to block some of Trump’s more radical policies.
Trump’s Foreign Policy Shift: Russia and Ukraine Talks Begin
Trump’s biggest geopolitical move came with a phone call to Vladimir Putin, signaling an attempt to end the war in Ukraine.
- Trump and Putin agreed to begin immediate negotiations
- Trump then called Ukrainian President Zelenskyy to discuss a peace framework
- NATO allies were caught off guard, expressing concerns about U.S. commitment to Ukraine
“Trump’s call is a monumental shift in U.S. foreign policy.” – Diplomatic experts
Zelenskyy has refused to meet with Putin directly, insisting that Trump must first outline a formal peace agreement.
Trump’s Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has downplayed Ukraine’s NATO aspirations, further straining ties with European allies.
Trump’s First Month: What’s Next?
As Trump pushes forward, the biggest challenges ahead include:
- More legal battles over his executive orders
- Congressional resistance, even among some Republicans
- Further economic uncertainty, with inflation and consumer spending in focus
- Global reaction to his U.S.-Russia negotiations
While Trump’s high-speed policy shifts have delighted his base, the road ahead remains rocky, with legal, economic, and political hurdles mounting.
