Trump's Power Surge: Multiple Policy Shakeups Rock Washington Establishment
Paul Riverbank, 2/8/2025Former President Trump's recent policy initiatives showcase a broad spectrum of administrative actions, from controversial IT system access to international trade negotiations. His defense of DOGE's expanded federal oversight and pivot on the U.S. Steel acquisition highlight continuing influence on American policy, despite being out of office.
In a week marked by significant policy shifts and controversial decisions, former President Donald Trump has orchestrated a series of moves that underscore his continued influence on American policy — even as questions swirl about government oversight and national security implications.
At the forefront of these developments is Trump's robust defense of the Department of Government Efficiency's (DOGE) unprecedented access to federal IT systems. During a joint press conference with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Trump not only justified but celebrated DOGE's expansive reach into various government agencies — including the Departments of Education and Defense.
"I'm very proud of the job that this group of young people, generally young people, but very smart people, [are] doing," Trump declared, framing the initiative as an anti-corruption measure. Yet this assertion comes amid mounting concerns from Democratic lawmakers about potential overreach and security risks.
The former president's agenda this week extended well beyond administrative oversight. In a carefully choreographed ceremony, he signed an executive order targeting transgender athletes' participation in women's sports — a move that appears to resonate with public sentiment, as polls indicate broad support for such restrictions.
Perhaps most intriguing is the development regarding Nippon Steel's proposed $14.9 billion acquisition of U.S. Steel. Trump's recent announcement suggests a significant pivot in the Japanese company's approach — moving from ownership to investment. "They've agreed to invest heavily in U.S. Steel, as opposed to own it, and that sounds very exciting," Trump stated, though specific details remain notably absent.
This shift follows President Biden's earlier blocking of the merger, which had sparked a rare moment of bipartisan opposition. A coalition including Republican heavyweights — Sen. Josh Hawley, Vice President JD Vance, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio — had previously raised national security concerns about foreign ownership of this strategic asset.
In what appears to be a systematic approach to reshaping government spending, Trump has also set his sights on the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The agency has faced criticism for what Sen. Joni Ernst described as "one of the worst offenders of waste in Washington." Critics point to questionable expenditures — from pottery classes in Morocco to transgender operas in Colombia — as evidence of misaligned priorities.
The former president's approach to Social Security merits particular attention. While promising that "Social Security will not be touched," Trump simultaneously pledged to "weed out" what he claims are illegal immigrants receiving benefits — a statement that requires careful scrutiny given the complex nature of benefit eligibility and verification systems.
These policy moves — spanning domestic sports policy, international trade, and government oversight — reflect a calculated effort to maintain political momentum. Yet they also raise fundamental questions about the balance between executive authority and institutional oversight, particularly regarding DOGE's unprecedented access to federal systems.
The coming weeks will likely reveal whether these initiatives represent sustainable policy changes or campaign-season positioning. What's clear is that Trump continues to shape the national conversation, even as debate persists about the long-term implications of his administrative approach.
