It has been a wild ride since January. Whether you’re a die-hard supporter or someone who just checks the headlines over coffee, there’s no denying that the sheer volume of activity coming out of the White House in 2025 has been record-breaking. Seriously. We haven't seen this much executive movement in decades.
A lot of the noise in the media focuses on the controversies, but if you look at the actual signed documents and legislative pushes, there’s a massive list of good things Trump has done in 2025 that are specifically designed to overhaul the economy and streamline how the government works. From a literal "Strategic Bitcoin Reserve" to a "One Big Beautiful Bill" that reshaped the tax code on July 4th, the administration hasn't exactly been shy.
The Economy: Tax Cuts and "Trump Accounts"
The centerpiece of the 2025 economic agenda was H.R. 1, which the President signed on Independence Day. It wasn't just a standard tax bill. It made the 2017 tax cuts for working families permanent, which was a huge deal for anyone worried about their rates spiking next year. But what’s actually new?
The "Trump Accounts." This is a pretty unique policy where the government launched $1,000 deposits for newborns to kickstart long-term savings. They also threw in a $6,000 deduction for seniors aged 65 and older through 2028. If you work in the service industry, the "No Tax on Tips" policy finally went from a campaign slogan to actual law.
Honestly, the numbers coming out of the Treasury are interesting. Mortgage rates, which were hovering over 7% when the year started, dipped toward 6.30%. The trade deficit also took a hit, falling to around $52.8 billion—a 35% drop year-over-year.
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Cutting the Bloat with DOGE
You've probably heard of DOGE—the Department of Government Efficiency. While the name sounds like a meme, the actual results in 2025 have been surprisingly concrete. They managed to cut $2 billion from the IRS IT budget just by nixing unused software licenses and redundant contracts.
They also did something nobody expected: they eliminated the penny. Apparently, that saves taxpayers $85 million every single year in production costs. They’re also pushing to reduce paper checks from 450 million to under 20 million through a new modernization order.
Trade and Foreign Policy: The Kuala Lumpur Arrangement
Foreign policy in 2025 has been all about leverage. The big win here was the Kuala Lumpur Joint Arrangement signed in November. It’s a massive trade deal with China that basically forced them to eliminate export controls on rare earth minerals—those things we need for batteries and tech—in exchange for some tariff relief.
China also committed to buying huge amounts of American soybeans, sorghum, and logs. For farmers in the Midwest, this was a massive sigh of relief.
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- The Fentanyl Crackdown: Part of that China deal included a 10% tariff reduction specifically because Beijing agreed to curb the flow of fentanyl precursor chemicals.
- Middle East Peace: The Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords were signed to help resolve the Cambodia-Thailand conflict, and there was a major breakthrough with all Gaza hostages being freed early in the year.
- Wrongful Detentions: A new executive order in September created a "State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention" designation to put economic pressure on countries that grab U.S. citizens as bargaining chips.
Health and Safety: MAHA and Pediatric Cancer
The "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) initiative actually produced some real policy in late 2025. One of the coolest things was an order in September that integrated AI into pediatric cancer research. They expanded funding for the Childhood Cancer Data Initiative and set up new standards so different hospitals can actually share data without the usual bureaucratic nightmares.
In July, the President signed the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act. It's a mouthful, but it basically pumps resources into addiction recovery and mental health support. There was also a pharmaceutical tariff deal with the UK aimed at lowering the cost of prescription drugs here in the States.
National Security and the Border
Border security was obviously the day-one priority. Beyond the "Remain in Mexico" reinstatement, the administration focused heavily on what they call "Operation Dirtbag"—an ICE initiative that removed over 150 illegal immigrant sex offenders from Florida alone.
They also targeted the "Tren de Aragua" cartel, officially designating them as a foreign terrorist organization. In the cities, "Operation Midway Blitz" in Chicago saw federal task forces working with local cops, and the administration claims a 60% drop in murders in D.C. since the federal crackdown began.
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Space and Tech Dominance
Wait, don't forget the "Genesis Mission." This was a coordinated effort to make sure the U.S. leads in AI. They also signed an order in December for "American Space Superiority," aiming to get a lunar outpost established by 2030.
Why This Matters for You
A lot of people miss these details because the headlines are usually about the latest political fight. But when you look at the good things Trump has done in 2025, it’s clear the focus is on "de-risking" the economy and cutting down the size of the federal government.
Whether you like the style or not, the "Trump Accounts" for kids and the permanent tax cuts are things that hit the dinner table pretty quickly. If you’re a small business owner, the 10-1 deregulation initiative—where for every new rule, ten old ones have to go—is probably the most impactful thing on this list.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check your Tax Withholding: With the new permanent tax cuts and the "No Tax on Tips" law, your take-home pay might change. Talk to a CPA to see if you need to adjust your W-4.
- Look into "Trump Accounts": If you’ve had a child in 2025, make sure you're aware of the $1,000 newborn deposit programs and how to access them through the Treasury’s new portal.
- Monitor 401(k) Changes: A new order in August allows for more "alternative assets" in 401(k) plans. It’s a good time to review your portfolio with a financial advisor to see if these new options fit your risk profile.
- Research the "Gold Card": If you are a high-skilled worker or an employer, look into the new September regulations regarding H-1B fees and the "Gold Card" initiative to see how it affects hiring.
The year 2025 was essentially an attempt to "factory reset" the federal government. While legal challenges are still flying in the courts, the structural changes to taxes, trade, and even the way we research cancer are likely to stick around for a while.