Donald Trump, during his campaign trial. pledged to take over additional powers as president and overhaul the US government(REUTERS)
Major changes are taking place in American policy throughout the first half of 2025.
A lot is shifting in U.S. policy during the first half of 2025 — and if you’ve been paying attention, none of it should come as a surprise. Nearly every move ties back to policies championed by the Trump administration, which are mirroring the conservative “Project 2025” playbook almost word for word. From education and immigration to climate rules and the role of federal workers, the landscape is being completely reshaped.
Education: Say Goodbye to the Department of Education?
It looks like the administration is serious about scrapping the Department of Education altogether. Since March, job cuts have been rolling out, and now key responsibilities are being handed off to other agencies. Sure, they’ll need Congress to sign off on the final decision, but the direction is clear: reduce federal oversight in schools and give the power back to the states.
Immigration Crackdowns — and a Golden Entry Pass for the Wealthy
Immigration policy is all over the place right now. One of the major shifts? The federal government is pulling funding from so-called “sanctuary” cities and states that don’t cooperate with national immigration enforcement.
On the other end of the spectrum, they’ve introduced a new “gold card” residency program. For $5 million, wealthy individuals can essentially buy their way into U.S. residency — replacing the old EB-5 investor visa entirely. Meanwhile, refugee admissions have been slashed, and Temporary Protected Status for several countries has expired. It’s a major tightening of the system.
DEI? Gone on Day One
On his first day back in office, Trump eliminated every federal diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) program. It was swift and complete. That move fits squarely into Project 2025’s goal of scrubbing DEI language and efforts from all federal contracts, grants, and policy initiatives. The message? This administration wants to wipe the slate clean on identity-based initiatives in government.
Environmental Rules Rolled Back — Big Time
Environmental policy has also been gutted. The administration has tossed out regulations on air and water pollution, eliminated emissions standards, and pretty much sidelined climate protections altogether. The U.S. has pulled out of the Paris Climate Accord once again, which also means no more federal investment in clean energy or sustainable development. While several states and advocacy groups are pushing back through lawsuits, these policies are already in motion.
Federal Workers, Restructured
The federal government is getting leaner — and more loyal to the administration. Officials are being brought in who align with Trump’s agenda, and the president is moving to expand his control over independent agencies, even trying to sidestep laws that are supposed to protect roles like inspectors general from being fired.
They’re also looking to shift disaster response from FEMA back to state governments and cut funding to public media. At the same time, law enforcement is being given more funding, better pay, and broader authority. New executive orders are pressuring the Justice Department to go after local governments that challenge federal authority — especially those doing so under DEI-based policies.
What Comes Next?
The pace has been fast — over 40% of Project 2025’s policies have already been implemented just a few months into the term. The administration is reshaping how the country runs at almost every level. Supporters argue it’s about restoring American sovereignty and jumpstarting the economy. Critics, on the other hand, are raising alarms over potential threats to civil rights, environmental protections, and democratic institutions.
One thing’s certain: the next few years will be defined by legal battles, political showdowns, and a tug-of-war over the future of the country.
