By Louisa Furman, Banner Staff

One month into his second term, President Donald Trump has enacted significant changes through executive orders and proposed plans, affecting immigration policy, social justice issues, government spending, foreign policy, and the economy. Director of Community and Inclusion, Mr. Braxton, said that “there are [different] policies that each individual student really cares about,” so it is crucial that students stay updated about how the issues they care about are impacted by new Trump policies. This article highlights some of the most significant changes as of February 23, 2025.

President Trump has taken steps to reduce immigration and address the “crisis” at the southern border. His “Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship” executive order aims to end birthright citizenship for children whose parents did not immigrate legally. However, the order is unlikely to stand as multiple federal judges have blocked it, and it faces legal challenges from 22 states that claim it violates the 14th Amendment. Additionally, the administration took action to house migrants at the Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, suspended the refugee program for three months, and shut down the CBP One app, which previously provided migrants access to essential resources

President Trump has also addressed social justice issues, particularly Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and transgender rights. He has shut down federal DEI programs, fired or reassigned hundreds of employees tied to DEI initiatives, and is expected to cut funding for programs, including medical research on underrepresented groups. The administration also restricted government funding for schools that teach critical race theory and certain lessons on gender identity. Additionally, Trump’s released executive orders have restricted transgender rights by including a legal definition of two genders, banning trans women from participating in sports, possibly barring trans people from serving in the military members, and blocking gender-affirming care for minors

To reduce government spending, President Trump established the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk. However, the department has faced criticism due to Musk’s status as a billionaire and Trump donor, with concerns that essential services are being defunded. DOGE has restricted Medicaid and research funding, proposed significant changes to the Department of Education, and indicated a shutdown of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) which, according to a USAID report, saves over three million lives annually through immunization programs.

In foreign policy and trade, the administration imposed 10% tariffs on goods from China and 25% tariffs on most goods from Canada and Mexico, which have since been postponed by 30 days. These tariffs, created in response to the fentanyl and border crises, have been heavily criticized for hindering trade, potential abuse of executive power, and the likely significant economic repercussions for all countries involved. President Trump has also withdrawn the U.S. from the World Health Organization and the Paris Climate Accord, signifying the U.S.’s greatly reduced commitment to addressing climate change. In foreign relations, Trump shifted U.S. sentiments on the Russia-Ukraine War, pivoting to lessened support for Ukraine, a closer relationship with Putin, and a declaration that he will end the war within six months. He also falsely blamed Ukraine for starting the war and called President Zelensky a “dictator.” The Trump administration also played a role in finalizing the six-week ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, enacted in the final days of the Biden administration. Recently, President Trump made unprecedented claims that the U.S. will take over and own the Gaza Strip, relocate all Palestinians in Gaza to other countries, and rebuild the area into a potential U.S. territory. These statements have received significant backlash in the U.S. and the Middle East and it remains unclear how many of these plans will materialize

President Trump has also made other notable changes, including making January 6 pardons, renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, and delaying the TikTok ban by 75 days

Regardless of which issue resonates most with each individual student, it is clear that President Trump has made substantial changes in his first month in office. As Lauren Folker ’26 said, these target minority and marginalized groups,” and “it is important that everyone knows what is going on.” Mr. Braxton emphasized, even in the face of challenges,  Winsor students should know that we “have a voice” and the ability to advocate for what we believe in.