Is Donald Trump improving the US government?

Short answer: it depends on what “improving” means to you.

Here’s a neutral snapshot as of September 12, 2026:

Ways supporters say he’s making government more responsive or efficient

•Civil service shake‑up: Trump reinstated and revised a version of “Schedule F” (now “Schedule Policy/Career”) on January 20, 2025; OPM finalized the rule on February 6, 2026. It lets the White House reclassify certain policy‑influencing jobs and more easily remove or reassign underperformers—intended to boost accountability and presidential control.[1]

•Ending DEI mandates: Executive orders in January 2025 directed agencies and contractors to terminate DEI programs viewed as unlawful preferences, with DOJ and OMB issuing implementation guidance. Backers argue this restores a uniform, merit‑based stance and pares bureaucracy.[2]

•Deregulation drive: EO 14192 set a “10‑for‑1” rule (repeal ten rules for each new one) and a regulatory cost cap; OMB issued follow‑on guidance and agencies (e.g., EPA) highlight the framework—meant to speed decisions and lower compliance costs.[3]

Evidence critics cite as harming capacity, stability, or trust

•42‑day federal shutdown (Oct 1–Nov 12, 2025) disrupted services and even canceled key statistics (no October 2025 CPI), undercutting basic operations.[4]

•Oversight concerns: Watchdog vacancies and pressure on inspectors general have raised alarms about weakened independent oversight.[5]

•Legal setbacks and policy whiplash: The Supreme Court struck down Trump’s sweeping emergency‑based tariffs in February 2026, forcing rewrites and refund fights; courts also recently blocked DOE from keeping a coal plant open under emergency authority—creating uncertainty and administrative churn.[6]

•Public sentiment: Surveys in 2026 show low job approval and declining trust in federal information—headwinds for effective governance.[7]

Results so far (mixed rather than decisive)

•Capacity/economy context: Unemployment is 3.9% (August 2026) and GDP grew at a 1.5% annualized rate in Q2 2026—hardly a clear efficiency verdict either way.[8]

•Structural risks remain: GAO’s 2025–26 High‑Risk work still lists dozens of mission‑critical areas needing transformation across agencies.[9]

Bottom line

•If “improving” means stronger presidential control, fewer DEI programs, and aggressive deregulation, you may judge the changes as improvements.

•If it means nonpartisan professionalism, steady service delivery, robust oversight, legal durability, and broader public trust, the record so far points the other way.

If you tell me which aspects you care about—efficiency, ethics, service quality, fiscal performance, rule of law, or public trust—I can give a tighter, metric‑based assessment. For reference: Trump is the current (47th) president, serving since January 20, 2025.[10]

3.[Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation, 9065-9067 [2025-02345] :: Executive Office Of The President :: Regulation Tracker :: Justia](https://regulations.justia.com/regulations/fedreg/2025/02/06/2025-02345.html?utm_source=openai)

Citations (10)

1opm.govGovernment
Memorandum for Heads and Acting Heads of Departments and Agencies: Guidance on Implementing President Trump’s Executive Order titled, “Restoring Accountability To Policy-Influencing Positions Within the Federal Workforce”
Backs: “It lets the White House reclassify certain policy‑influencing jobs and more easily remove or reassign underperformers—intended to boost accountability and presidential control.”
2govinfo.govGovernment
DCPD-202500118 - Executive Order 14151—Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing - DCPD-202500118 | Content Details | GovInfo
Backs: “Backers argue this restores a uniform, merit‑based stance and pares bureaucracy.”
3justia.comEncyclopedias and reference
Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation, 9065-9067 [2025-02345] :: Executive Office Of The President :: Regulation Tracker :: Justia
Backs: “OMB issued follow‑on guidance and agencies (e.g., EPA) highlight the framework—meant to speed decisions and lower compliance costs.”
4bls.govGovernment
2025 federal government shutdown impact on the Consumer Price Index : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Backs: “42‑day federal shutdown (Oct 1–Nov 12, 2025) disrupted services and even canceled key statistics (no October 2025 CPI), undercutting basic operations.”
5oversight.govGovernment
Inspector General Vacancies | Oversight.gov
Backs: “Watchdog vacancies and pressure on inspectors general have raised alarms about weakened independent oversight.”
6scotusblog.comNews and mediaquality 0.87
Trump v. V.O.S. Selections - SCOTUSblog
Backs: “The Supreme Court struck down Trump’s sweeping emergency‑based tariffs in February 2026, forcing rewrites and refund fights; courts also recently blocked DOE from keeping a coal plant open under emergency authority—creating uncertainty and administrative churn.”
7pewresearch.orgNonprofits and think tanks
Trump’s job approval rating is low by historical standards | Pew Research Center
Backs: “Surveys in 2026 show low job approval and declining trust in federal information—headwinds for effective governance.”
8bls.govGovernment
Employment Situation News Release - 2026 M08 Results
Backs: “Unemployment is 3.9% (August 2026) and GDP grew at a 1.5% annualized rate in Q2 2026—hardly a clear efficiency verdict either way.”
9gao.govGovernment
Government Performance: Confronting High Risks and Fiscal Challenges Is Crucial to a More Effective and Sustainable Government | U.S. GAO
Backs: “GAO’s 2025–26 High‑Risk work still lists dozens of mission‑critical areas needing transformation across agencies.”
10usa.govGovernment
Presidents, vice presidents, and first ladies | USAGov
Backs: “Trump is the current (47th) president, serving since January 20, 2025.”