He’s promising rapid and drastic changes.
President-elect Donald J. Trump is poised to return to the White House with a clear intention to fundamentally alter the U.S. government’s approach, both domestically and internationally. His administration is expected to depart from the post-Cold War era’s emphasis on expanding domestic programs, regulations, and a globalist foreign policy. Instead, Trump is set to implement an “America First” strategy, prioritizing border security, deregulation, increased energy production, and more strategic international relationships.
Central to Trump’s vision is the expansion of presidential power while curtailing the federal bureaucracy’s size and influence. His resounding victory in the Electoral College, with wins in all six battleground states, has provided him with a strong mandate to push for substantial changes. However, his path is not without challenges. With Republicans holding a narrow majority in Congress and his approval ratings remaining relatively balanced in recent polls, passing legislation could prove difficult.
Despite these challenges, Trump’s vision of reshaping the executive branch is well underway, marked by a campaign that defied expectations. As a proponent of deregulation, Trump aims to reduce federal oversight and give businesses more freedom to expand. His administration has indicated a stark departure from the rapid regulatory changes seen under the Biden administration, which set a record in 2024 by publishing a large number of new rules in a single month. Trump has committed to cutting 10 existing regulations for every new one passed, with plans to reduce federal spending by $2 trillion, a third of the federal budget.
Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by figures like Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, will spearhead efforts to reduce waste, dismantle bureaucratic structures, and streamline federal agencies. These efforts are expected to stimulate economic growth by removing regulatory barriers, a move that has garnered support from the business community. Additionally, Trump has outlined a 10-point plan to dismantle what he perceives as the “deep state” and curb the influence of career bureaucrats. This plan includes reinstituting his executive order to remove federal employees who aren’t political appointees but influence government policy.
This reshaping of the executive branch promises to bring about sweeping changes, potentially overhauling Washington’s political landscape. Trump’s stated goals include curbing government interference in private business and empowering the president to act swiftly, including issuing executive orders immediately upon assuming office. His plans are set to change the fabric of U.S. governance, ushering in what he describes as a “revolutionary change.”
