With hundreds of directives signed within his first week alone—let alone his first month—it’s arguably easier to list what he hasn’t done than what he has.
The former president appears to be taking an all-encompassing approach, enacting policies on a broad range of issues. His orders have included declarations that there are “only two genders,” the elimination of “radical and wasteful government diversity, equity, and inclusion” programs, the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico, and continued crackdowns on the rights of undocumented immigrants.
Legal Hurdles for Trump’s Orders
Despite the rapid pace of his executive actions, not all of them have gone unchallenged. A little-known law has already managed to temporarily block several of his directives.
However, his administration secured a legal victory earlier this week when a federal judge rejected what was described as a “final” attempt to prevent Elon Musk—whom Trump appointed as head of the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—from accessing confidential government data.
Adding to the controversy, Trump signed a sweeping executive order on February 18 that could significantly expand presidential power. The directive aims to bring several independent regulatory agencies, including the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), under direct White House control—potentially making him one of the most powerful presidents in U.S. history.
Lawmakers Weigh In with One-Word Reactions
Given the sheer volume and impact of Trump’s executive actions, Mail Online asked U.S. senators to summarize their thoughts on his first month in office using a single word.
Kevin Cramer, North Dakota’s junior senator, opted for a neutral take, calling it “Active.”
Josh Hawley, the senior senator from Missouri, chose “Bold,” a word that could be seen as either praise or criticism.
John Curtis, Utah’s junior senator, took a more forceful approach, describing it as “Aggressive.”
Chuck Grassley, Iowa’s long-serving Republican senator, likened Trump’s presidency to a storm, simply saying “Hurricane.”
Peter Welch, Vermont’s junior senator, went even further, calling Trump’s first month an “illegal rampage.” While not sticking to the single-word guideline, his strong language underscored his deep disapproval.
Chris Coons, a Democratic senator from Delaware, was blunt in his assessment, labeling it “Terrible.”
A Divisive Start
Trump’s first month in office has sparked both praise and concern, depending on who you ask. Supporters commend his swift action and commitment to his campaign promises, while critics warn of overreach and the erosion of institutional checks and balances.
With such contrasting opinions, how would you describe Trump’s first month in office in just one word?
