After The Fact

Trump Administration Touts First Month Achievements

February 20, 2025

This press briefing and accompanying article celebrate the first month of President Trump's second term, highlighting policy achievements and future goals. Key themes include border security, economic growth, deregulation, and an "America First" foreign policy. Several controversial policy positions are detailed, including designating Mexican cartels as terrorist organizations, eliminating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, and cutting federal spending. The briefing also touches on international relations, emphasizing efforts to broker peace in Ukraine and secure the release of American hostages.

Elimination of DEI Initiatives

President Trump has eliminated all DEI programs across the federal government, terminated involved federal workers, and ended DEI in federal contracting. This action aims to restore merit as the cornerstone of federal policy and ensure impartial enforcement of civil rights laws. The administration has also made it clear that ending DEI and unlawful race discrimination is a precondition for educational institutions to receive federal funds.

The administration has also "saved women's sports" by prohibiting the participation of transgender women in women's sports and has ended what they call "radical gender ideology" across the federal government.

Border Security and Immigration

Border crossings are down 95% since President Trump took office. The administration attributes this to the designation of six Mexican cartels and two transnational gangs as foreign terrorist organizations. Those crossing illegally are either prosecuted or deported, often facing jail time or immediate removal.

Remain in Mexico has been reimplemented, international cooperation for accepting deportees secured, the southern border sealed with military personnel, and Guantanamo Bay reopened for use in deportation operations. ICE is working with other agencies like ATF, DEA, and FBI on what's being termed the "largest deportation operation in American history."

Economic Policy and Spending Cuts

Fighting inflation is a top priority, through a multi-pronged approach focusing on spending cuts, potential restoration of Trump's tax cuts, and supply-side measures like expensing new factories.

The administration is pursuing "reciprocal trade," aiming to treat other governments the way they treat the U.S., asserting that American companies paid substantially more in taxes to foreign governments than vice-versa. They plan to "fix" this imbalance.

An "all-of-the-above" energy approach has led to opening 625 million acres for energy exploration and cutting red tape related to energy permits.

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), aided by Elon Musk, aims to cut government spending and return savings to taxpayers, pay down debt, or reinvest in the budget to lower baseline spending. An initial $50 billion in savings is projected for the first year. The possibility of "DOGE dividend checks" to taxpayers is discussed.

Foreign Policy and International Relations

The briefing highlights the administration's success in securing the release of American hostages from multiple countries, including Russia, Belarus, Venezuela, and groups like the Taliban and Hamas.

President Trump is working to broker peace in the Ukraine conflict, hosting talks mediated by Saudi Arabia. The release of Marc Fogel is mentioned as a confidence-building measure toward peace negotiations. The administration emphasizes efforts to end the war and encourages European allies to take on a greater role in providing aid and security guarantees to Ukraine.

The President's meetings with several world leaders are noted, including the leaders of Israel, Japan, Jordan, India, France, and the United Kingdom, showcasing a focus on international diplomacy and engagement. The administration also acknowledges working to encourage Panama to distance itself from China's Belt and Road program.

Project 2025

The significant policy changes outlined in this press briefing align with various policy goals defined in Project 2025. Specifically, actions such as eliminating DEI initiatives, strengthening border security, and promoting an "America First" energy policy are consistent with the project's overall conservative agenda. The appointment of individuals with clear conservative credentials, such as Kash Patel to the FBI, further reinforces this alignment. Additionally, the administration's rhetoric against what they term the “deep state” and emphasis on prioritizing American citizens is also consistent with Project 2025's ideological objectives. These actions could significantly reshape the role of government and the protection of certain rights, particularly for minorities, immigrants, and transgender individuals. Enforcement would likely involve agency-specific directives and the use of executive power. The long-term effects and social implications of these policies are uncertain, but they appear to signify substantial shifts in U.S. domestic policy.

Last updated at 2/21/2025 8:58 PM

- After The Fact Editorial Team