Trump's 30-Day Blitz: 100+ Orders Reshape Federal Government

Paul Riverbank, 2/19/2025Trump signs 100+ executive orders in 30 days, dramatically reshaping federal government control and policies.

Within just 30 days, Trump has signed more than 100 executive actions — touching everything from immigration enforcement to federal agency oversight — in what observers describe as one of the most aggressive starts to any presidency in recent history.

The scope of these changes has been particularly evident in the administration's approach to independent federal agencies. In a February 18 executive order, Trump moved to bring previously independent agencies under direct White House control — a shift that could fundamentally alter the balance of power in Washington.

"For the federal government to be truly accountable to the American people, officials who wield vast executive power must be supervised and controlled by the people's elected president," the order stated, setting the stage for potentially significant changes in how agencies like the Federal Reserve and Federal Communications Commission operate.

The administration's immigration initiatives have shown equally dramatic results. Border czar Tom Homan reported approximately 14,000 arrests of illegal immigrants since January 20, with border crossings plummeting by 92 percent. This enforcement surge has been complemented by diplomatic victories — Guatemala agreed to a 40 percent increase in deportation flights, while Mexico committed to deploying troops along its border.

On the domestic front, Trump has taken aim at diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs — ordering an immediate end to such initiatives across federal agencies. The administration also established the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which claims to have already identified billions in potential cost savings.

Perhaps most striking has been Trump's approach to federal employment. A widespread buyout offer has seen more than 75,000 federal workers accept deals that allow them to receive full pay and benefits until September 30 while being exempt from daily attendance requirements.

The president has also shown his willingness to wade into controversial cultural issues. His "Keeping Men Out of Women's Sports" order reversed previous administration policies on transgender athlete participation, while his directive to rename Denali back to Mount McKinley has reignited debates about cultural heritage and federal authority.

These sweeping changes haven't gone unchallenged. Multiple federal judges have issued injunctions against various initiatives, particularly those related to birthright citizenship and spending freezes. Congressional Democrats have raised concerns about constitutional overreach, especially regarding DOGE's authority to influence federal funding without legislative approval.

Yet perhaps most telling has been Trump's handling of independent agency leadership. The firing of officials like NLRB General Counsel Jennifer Abruzzo and Office of Special Counsel head Hampton Dellinger — along with the potential authority to remove Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell — signals a clear intent to consolidate executive branch control under direct presidential oversight.

The rapid pace and broad scope of these changes suggest a administration determined to reshape federal governance according to its "America First" vision — even as legal challenges and political opposition mount. As these initiatives continue to unfold, their long-term impact on American governance remains to be seen.

In a whirlwind of executive actions that have marked President Donald Trump's return to the White House, the administration has embarked on an ambitious agenda that's reshaping federal governance at an unprecedented pace.Within just 30 days, Trump has signed more than 100 executive actions — touching everything from immigration enforcement to federal agency oversight — in what observers describe as one of the most aggressive starts to any presidency in recent history.The scope of these changes has been particularly evident in the administration's approach to independent federal agencies. In a February 18 executive order, Trump moved to bring previously independent agencies under direct White House control — a shift that could fundamentally alter the balance of power in Washington."For the federal government to be truly accountable to the American people, officials who wield vast executive power must be supervised and controlled by the people's elected president," the order stated, setting the stage for potentially significant changes in how agencies like the Federal Reserve and Federal Communications Commission operate.The administration's immigration initiatives have shown equally dramatic results. Border czar Tom Homan reported approximately 14,000 arrests of illegal immigrants since January 20, with border crossings plummeting by 92 percent. This enforcement surge has been complemented by diplomatic victories — Guatemala agreed to a 40 percent increase in deportation flights, while Mexico committed to deploying troops along its border.On the domestic front, Trump has taken aim at diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs — ordering an immediate end to such initiatives across federal agencies. The administration also established the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which claims to have already identified billions in potential cost savings.Perhaps most striking has been Trump's approach to federal employment. A widespread buyout offer has seen more than 75,000 federal workers accept deals that allow them to receive full pay and benefits until September 30 while being exempt from daily attendance requirements.The president has also shown his willingness to wade into controversial cultural issues. His "Keeping Men Out of Women's Sports" order reversed previous administration policies on transgender athlete participation, while his directive to rename Denali back to Mount McKinley has reignited debates about cultural heritage and federal authority.These sweeping changes haven't gone unchallenged. Multiple federal judges have issued injunctions against various initiatives, particularly those related to birthright citizenship and spending freezes. Congressional Democrats have raised concerns about constitutional overreach, especially regarding DOGE's authority to influence federal funding without legislative approval.Yet perhaps most telling has been Trump's handling of independent agency leadership. The firing of officials like NLRB General Counsel Jennifer Abruzzo and Office of Special Counsel head Hampton Dellinger — along with the potential authority to remove Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell — signals a clear intent to consolidate executive branch control under direct presidential oversight.The rapid pace and broad scope of these changes suggest a administration determined to reshape federal governance according to its "America First" vision — even as legal challenges and political opposition mount. As these initiatives continue to unfold, their long-term impact on American governance remains to be seen.