Trump’s First Six Months: A Report Card

After facing both serious threats and unprecedented legal challenges during four years of political exile, Donald Trump seems to have internalized some crucial life lessons. It’s all about seizing the moment. His return to the presidency has been nothing short of explosive, reminiscent of a thoroughbred bursting out of the Kentucky Derby starting gates. Indeed, the past six months have been remarkable in modern presidential history.

For elected officials, the perception of time is crucial, and perhaps none more so than for Trump. His first term was marred by obstacles that were often out of his control, like John McCain’s surprise vote against repealing Obamacare and various judicial challenges. Yet, after navigating through these tough periods, he’s seemingly recalibrated his strategy for this term, and the results are visibly different.

Here’s a breakdown of his administration’s performance over the last six months.

Economy: B+

There have been many positive developments in the economy. The stock market has seen significant gains since Trump took office. His tariffs have generated substantial revenue for the Treasury, and he’s reinstated key tax cuts from 2017. Trade agreements with major countries have been finalized, and inflation has remained fairly stable. Major corporations have even announced significant domestic investments. However, inflation persists at a higher-than-ideal rate, and the complexities surrounding tariffs aren’t entirely smooth. Additionally, plans to address the national debt remain a challenge.

Domestic Policy: A

From a conservative viewpoint, the broader domestic agenda has been quite effective. Trump’s long-standing challenge to higher education institutions appears to be yielding results. Important steps have been taken to streamline executive power, thanks to both judicial victories and executive orders. He has also aimed to protect women’s sports and safeguard children from irreversible medical interventions related to transgender issues. Moreover, he has made strides in achieving long-established conservative objectives, including adjustments to education funding and public broadcasting.

Immigration: A+

Immigration remains a signature issue for Trump, and he’s delivered strong results here. In fact, illegal border crossings have significantly dropped, helped by an effective strategy spearheaded by key figures in his administration. The current immigration enforcement agenda seems aligned with political needs, successfully tackling various cases from different corners.

Law: A-

There have been judicial attempts to derail the administration’s plans, particularly through dubious nationwide injunctions. Yet, recent Supreme Court victories have safeguarded many of Trump’s initiatives. Though judicial appointments were delayed initially, the caliber of those chosen has remained high. Moving forward, the administration may want to consider promoting some of these judges into higher positions, perhaps in diplomatic roles. However, not all aspects, such as handling high-profile scandals, have been particularly well managed.

Foreign Policy: A

The administration has shifted away from the previous Biden strategy of favoring adversaries, instead re-establishing alliances and promoting American interests. A notable achievement has been Trump’s handling of the conflict between Israel and Iran, which has worked against Iran’s nuclear ambitions. NATO allies are also stepping up their defense spending, allowing the U.S. to focus more on the challenge posed by China. Peace initiatives in regions like India and Pakistan have made strides, though some conflicts, like the ongoing situation in Ukraine, remain unresolved.

There’s certainly more work to be done, and Trump would likely agree with that. Nevertheless, his second term has gotten off to a rapid and vigorous start, reflecting the urgency of the moment.