Has Trump Achieved a Lot Less Than It Seems?

What It Covers

Yuval Levin analyzes Trump's first year in office, arguing the administration achieves less durable policy change than perceived, governing through retail deals and intimidation rather than traditional legislative and regulatory processes that create lasting transformation.

Key Questions Answered

• •Federal spending reality: Despite Doge's highly publicized efforts to cut government spending, federal expenditures increased 4% in 2025 versus 2024 because no legislative changes occurred—the government operated on Biden-era continuing resolutions throughout the year, demonstrating perception exceeded actual fiscal change.
• •Retail versus wholesale governance: Trump governs through individual deals with universities, pharmaceutical companies, and foreign nations rather than broad regulatory rulemaking. This creates news cycles and behavioral intimidation but lacks durability—institutions see deals as temporary arrangements to survive three years, not permanent policy shifts.
• •Regulatory action slowdown: Economically significant federal rulemaking under Trump proceeded slower than the first years of Biden, Obama, Bush, or Clinton administrations. Trump signed fewer pieces of legislation than any modern president, contradicting the perception of unprecedented governmental transformation despite constant activity and headlines.
• •Immigration as exception: Immigration policy represents the sole area where Trump uses traditional presidential powers effectively—combining new legislation from reconciliation bills, regulatory changes, increased enforcement funding, and bureaucratic expertise. Border security changes will likely endure beyond this administration unlike most other policy areas.
• •Congressional resistance metrics: The Senate forced Trump to withdraw 54 nominations in year one, shattering the previous record of 31 and averaging one withdrawal weekly. The administration lost 57% of decided federal court cases, demonstrating institutional constraints function despite perceptions of unchecked executive power.