Love him or hate him, President Donald Trump isn’t known for half-measures.
This year, his executive orders have hit like sledgehammers, reshaping everything from health care to education. Some see them as overdue corrections, others as political wrecking balls. Meanwhile, his approval rating expected to improve, following an executive order to slash pharmaceutical drug prices—the prediction market exchange Kalshi forecasts the president’s RCP approval rating to be 46% by the end of the week.
Here’s a look at the moves that left the biggest dents – for better or worse.
Prescription Drug Pricing Reform
Trump’s pushing for cheaper meds with an executive order that ties U.S. drug prices to the lowest rates paid by other developed nations. It’s a punch in the gut to Big Pharma, which argues it’ll gut R&D budgets, but for patients drowning in prescription costs, it’s a potential lifesaver.
Health Care Price Transparency
Trump doubled down on price transparency, forcing hospitals and insurers to disclose what they actually charge, not just what they bill. It’s a shot at shaking up a notoriously opaque system, aiming to put power back in the hands of patients.
Rollback of DEI Initiatives
This order scrapped diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs across federal agencies, sparking a firestorm. Supporters say it champions merit over identity, while critics argue it dismantles years of progress toward equity.
Transgender Military Ban
Trump revived the ban on transgender individuals serving in the military, setting off a wave of legal challenges. It’s a flashpoint in the ongoing battle over LGBTQ+ rights and military readiness.
English Proficiency Requirement for Truck Drivers
An executive order now requires stricter English proficiency for commercial truck drivers, especially in border states like Texas. It’s pitched as a safety measure, but critics say it could disrupt critical supply chains and trade flows.
Withdrawal from the World Health Organization
Trump pulled the U.S. out of the WHO, citing bureaucratic bloat and mismanagement. It’s a bold move that critics say weakens America’s global health response, while supporters argue it’s about cutting dead weight.
Establishment of the Department of Government Efficiency
Trump created a whole new federal department with a mission to slash red tape and cut costs. It’s a bureaucratic overhaul that could streamline government – or just add another layer of paperwork, depending on who you ask.
Designation of English as the Official Language
Trump signed an order making English the official language of the United States, a move aimed at promoting unity but slammed by critics as exclusionary.
Reinstatement of the Death Penalty
Capital punishment is back on the menu. Trump’s order directs the Justice Department to prioritize federal executions in certain cases, reigniting a long-running debate over the death penalty’s place in American justice.
Expansion of Charter School Funding
Trump doubled down on school choice, funneling more federal dollars into charter schools. Advocates say it’s about giving parents options, while critics warn it drains resources from public education.
