
Like him or hate him, President Trump is hard at work keeping his promises—like them or hate them.
For those who may not read the news as much as I here is my recap of the first week. It’s not comprehensive, but it’s six of the major ones.
I have done my best to make this report as neutral as possible for me, including perceived positives and negatives. It is not a defense or condemnation—just a record. I have however, included comments from ESPN star and Harris supporter Steven Smith at the end.
In his first week as President of the United States, Donald Trump took swift action on a range of issues. These actions included signing executive orders, meeting with business leaders, and setting new policy directions. Below is a “scorecard” summarizing what he did, the perceived positive and negatives.
Executive Orders on Healthcare
Action: President Trump signed an executive order aiming to minimize the financial burden of the Affordable Care Act (ACA or “Obamacare”) pending its repeal and replacement.
Perceived Positives:
Signaled his commitment to follow through on a major campaign promise: reforming or repealing the ACA.
Supporters argued it could ease regulatory burdens for businesses and individuals.
Perceived Negatives:
Critics claimed it created confusion in the healthcare marketplace.
Health policy experts worried this might destabilize insurance markets before an alternative plan was established.
Withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership
Action: President Trump signed an executive order withdrawing the U.S. from the TPP trade agreement negotiations.
Perceived Positives:
Applauded by those who believed the TPP harmed American manufacturing and threatened U.S. jobs.
Seen as fulfilling a central campaign pledge to revise or end trade deals considered unfavorable.
Perceived Negatives:
Critics argued it could undermine American influence in the Asia-Pacific region.
Concerns that it might allow other nations—particularly China—to take a larger leadership role in setting trade rules.
Advancing Pipeline Projects (Keystone XL and Dakota Access)
Action: The President signed executive actions to advance the Keystone XL and Dakota Access oil pipelines.
Perceived Positives:
Supporters claimed this would create jobs and strengthen U.S. energy infrastructure.
Proponents saw it as a move toward energy independence.
Perceived Negatives:
Environmental groups and some Native American communities voiced strong opposition, citing potential water contamination and ecological damage.
Sparked renewed protests and legal challenges.
Federal Hiring Freeze
Action: Implemented a temporary freeze on new hires for many federal agencies (with exceptions for the military and positions deemed critical).
Perceived Positives:
Seen by supporters as a cost-cutting measure to reduce government spending.
Viewed as an immediate step to shrink what Trump often referred to as “bureaucratic bloat.”
Perceived Negatives:
Critics worried it would compromise the effectiveness of federal programs and services.
Some argued it could overburden existing staff and slow down essential functions.
Reinstatement of the “Mexico City Policy”
Action: Often called the “Global Gag Rule,” this policy withholds U.S. funding from foreign NGOs that provide or actively promote abortion services.
Perceived Positives:
Praised by pro-life conservatives who oppose U.S. tax dollars supporting abortion-related services abroad.
Viewed as consistent with pro-life campaign pledges.
Perceived Negatives:
Women’s rights organizations and international health groups argued it restricts healthcare options for women in developing countries.
Critics said it could reduce funding for broader health services if organizations lose U.S. support.
Travel Restrictions Discussion
Action: Plans for travel restrictions (the so-called “Travel Ban”) targeting several majority-Muslim countries were announced, though the official executive order was signed just after the first week.
Perceived Positives:
Supporters felt this measure addressed national security concerns, fulfilling a key campaign promise to strengthen immigration policies.
Viewed by some as a logical step to improve vetting.
Perceived Negatives:
Opponents argued it unfairly targeted Muslims, raising ethical and legal concerns.
Sparked protests at airports and stirred global criticism, foreshadowing legal battles.
In his first week, President Donald Trump moved quickly to enact several of his campaign promises, winning praise from supporters who valued decisive action and criticism from opponents worried about the speed, implications, and impacts of his decisions. From healthcare to trade agreements, and from environmental concerns to immigration policies, the early days of the Trump administration set the stage for a term marked by deep partisan divisions and robust public debate.
Whether these actions will ultimately help or harm the country can be interpreted differently, depending on one’s political views, economic interests, and personal values. What is clear is that President Trump’s first week was filled with significant, headline-making moves that will shape both national and international discourse for a while.
Third Person Commentary & Epilogue

On an episode of Bill Maher's late-night show this week, ESPN star Steven A. Smith, who had voted for Kamala Harris in the November election, was asked to share his thoughts on President Trump's first week back in office. What followed left the audience stunned, as Smith delivered a searing critique of the Democratic Party.
"The man was impeached twice, convicted on 34 felony counts, and yet the American people still said, ‘He’s closer to normal than what we see on the left,’” Smith began, silencing the room. He continued, "Why? Because when the Democratic Party focuses on issues like the transgender community—which pertains to less than one percent of the population—they come across as if that’s their top priority over everything else.”
Smith pointed to the stark contrast in leadership styles. "When Trump shows up in his first week and pushes executive orders—knowing many will be struck down by the courts—he’s still delivering on promises. He’s saying, ‘I did what I said I’d do.’”
He then turned his attention to the left. "But look at the Democrats. What promises did they keep? What voter can look at their party and say, ‘There’s a voice for us, someone who fights for what we care about’? They didn’t deliver. And that’s why they’re sitting at home while that man is back in the White House.”
Smith concluded with a pointed observation: "Trump made promises, and he’s acting on them. Whether people like it or not, he’s doing exactly what he said he would."
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