I’ve always been a bit skeptical when it comes to politics. Growing up in a small town in Texas, I saw firsthand how policies from Washington could either lift us up or leave us behind. Jobs at the local plants dried up when I was a kid, and I watched my dad struggle to make ends meet. So, when I heard about President Trump’s latest executive orders in early 2025, I paid attention—not just as a citizen, but as someone who’s seen the real-world impact of big decisions.
One of the first things that caught my eye was Trump’s decision to slap 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. At first, I wondered if this would just make things more expensive for everyone. But then I thought about my dad’s old coworkers, the ones who lost their jobs to cheaper foreign imports. Those tariffs aren’t just numbers—they’re a lifeline for towns like mine. I dug into the details, and it turns out these tariffs could protect American manufacturers, create jobs, and make us less reliant on other countries for materials we need for everything from bridges to military equipment. That feels like a win for national security and for communities that have been overlooked.
Then there’s the immigration stuff. Trump declared a national emergency at the Mexico border, and while I know that’s controversial, I can see why he’s pushing it. I’ve read about the strain on border towns and the need for better control over who’s coming in. He also rolled back some H1B visa policies to prioritize American workers. I have friends in tech who’ve struggled to find jobs, even with solid skills, because companies hire cheaper labor from overseas. I’m not against immigration—we’re a nation of immigrants, after all—but I think it’s fair to make sure Americans get a shot first. It’s not about shutting people out; it’s about balancing opportunity.
What really surprised me, though, was how Trump tackled the size of government. He froze federal hiring and new regulations, and he’s pushing federal workers back to in-person work. At first, I thought, “Why does that matter?” But then I remembered how frustrated I get when I deal with slow government services. If we can make the government leaner and more efficient, that’s a good thing. I’ve seen small businesses in my town struggle under layers of red tape, and cutting back on regulations could give them room to grow. Plus, bringing federal workers back to the office might mean they’re more accountable—and maybe even faster at getting things done.
I also appreciate how Trump’s willing to take risks. He pulled us out of the World Health Organization, which raised eyebrows, but I get it. Why should we keep pouring money into groups that don’t always put America first? I’d rather see that money go toward fixing our own healthcare system or helping families who are still recovering from the economic fallout of recent years.
Now, I know Trump’s not perfect. He’s loud, he’s dramatic, and some of his moves—like ending birthright citizenship—are controversial. But I can’t deny that he’s shaking things up, and sometimes that’s exactly what we need. I’ve seen too many politicians talk big and do nothing. Trump, for better or worse, acts. He’s not afraid to make bold calls, and I think that’s why so many people still rally behind him.
As I look ahead to 2025, I’m optimistic about the nation’s future. I see a leader who’s trying to put American workers first, protect our industries, and cut down on government waste. Will it all work out? I don’t know. But I do know that for folks like me—people who’ve felt forgotten by D.C.—these moves feel like a step in the right direction. And for now, that’s enough to keep me hopeful.