Jan. 20 marked the one year anniversary of President Trump’s second inauguration, prompting Americans to reflect on the first year of the second term of his presidency. Throughout his campaign, Trump promised Americans he would radically dismantle the efforts of President Biden and create a more conservative America.
Trump’s first year in office featured a contradictory combination of growing federal control and slashing federal spending. The first half of the year was primarily focused on reducing government spending and waste. Trump created the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and put billionaire Elon Musk in charge.
DOGE cut billions of dollars of funding from scientific research, education, health programs, and other programs that rely on federal support. While the mass closure of government programs was a defining factor of Trump’s first year in office, DOGE disbanded in November.
Trump also remained focused on increasing the power of certain federal enforcement programs, like the National Guard and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The National Guard was dispatched to several U.S. cities, mostly in Democrat-leaning states, when it was previously reserved solely for domestic emergencies. This sparked questions of constitutionality and legality. Late last year, these troops were removed from most U.S. cities without public statements from Trump; however, around 2,500 troops remain in Washington D.C..
During Trump’s 2024 campaign, he stated he would conduct the largest mass deportation in U.S. history. According to an NBC study, there are over 70,000 migrants in ICE detention. This marks a significant increase from the 40,000 in custody in early 2025. 48.4% of people in custody were listed as an “other immigration violator,” meaning they have no criminal convictions or other criminal charges.
Although Trump stayed true to many core principals of his campaign, his approval ratings dropped significantly in the last year. At the time of his inauguration, he polled 47% approval. His current rate has fallen to 36% approval.
In Atlanta, many spoke out against the policies of the past year. Two “No Kings Day” protests, in conjunction with other liberal cities in America, advocated against the constitutional violations committed. While many are shocked by the extremities of the last year, others are not surprised: “He told all of us what he was going to do before he even got elected, and we the people cannot act blindsided and shocked when he actually put his brutal regime into effect,” says Max
