Is Donald Trump improving the US government?

Both sidesSays it is contested

Short answer: It depends on what you mean by “improving.” Here are a few objective lenses with the latest data.

•Management of the federal workforce and agencies

•Trump reinstated a version of “Schedule F,” expanding presidential control over policy‑influencing civil service jobs; supporters say it boosts accountability, critics say it politicizes agencies.[1]

•GAO reports continued, widespread “high‑risk” areas across government and flags workforce management as a persistent challenge; courts have also blocked some targeted cuts (e.g., FEMA).[2]

•Fiscal stewardship

•The deficit for FY2026 is tracking around $1.8–$1.9 trillion; CBO attributes the outlook partly to the 2025 budget law, higher tariffs, and lower immigration. Debt is projected to keep rising.[3]

•Economic outcomes that affect government capacity

•Unemployment was 4.1% in August 2026; consumer inflation ran 3.4% year‑over‑year; real GDP grew at a 1.5% annualized pace in Q2 2026. These are mixed signals—solid jobs, moderating but still‑elevated inflation, and slower growth.[4]

•Public trust and perceived legitimacy

•Trust in the federal government remains low: recent surveys show roughly a quarter of Americans express trust, and a record‑high 89% say government corruption is widespread. Lower trust can hinder government performance regardless of policy direction.[5]

Bottom line: If you prioritize stronger presidential control over agencies and a leaner civil service, you may see “improvement.” If you value insulation of the bureaucracy from politics, deficit reduction, or rising public trust, the picture looks less positive. Which aspect—efficiency, policy results, fiscal health, or institutional norms—matters most to you?[6]

Citations (6)

1osd.milGovernment
Executive Orders And Presidential Memorandums | DCPAS
Backs: “Trump reinstated a version of “Schedule F,” expanding presidential control over policy‑influencing civil service jobs; supporters say it boosts accountability, critics say it politicizes agencies.”
evidence, official document, neutral. Claim: Trump reinstated a version of Schedule F, expanding presidential control over policy-influencing civil service jobs; supporters cite accountability, critics politicization.
2gao.govGovernment
High-Risk Series: Heightened Attention Could Save Billions More and Improve Government Efficiency and Effectiveness | U.S. GAO
Backs: “GAO reports continued, widespread “high‑risk” areas across government and flags workforce management as a persistent challenge; courts have also blocked some targeted cuts (e.g., FEMA).”
evidence, official document, points to no. Claim: GAO reports widespread high-risk areas and persistent workforce management challenges; courts blocked some targeted cuts.
3cbo.govGovernment
Monthly Budget Review: July 2026 | Congressional Budget Office
Backs: “CBO attributes the outlook partly to the 2025 budget law, higher tariffs, and lower immigration. Debt is projected to keep rising.”
statistic, data page, points to no. Claim: FY2026 deficit tracking around $1.8–$1.9 trillion, tied partly to 2025 budget law, tariffs, lower immigration; debt projected to rise.
4bls.govGovernment
Employment Situation News Release - 2026 M08 Results
Backs: “These are mixed signals—solid jobs, moderating but still‑elevated inflation, and slower growth.”
statistic, data page, neutral. Claim: Unemployment was 4.1% in August 2026, with inflation 3.4% and Q2 GDP growth 1.5%, giving mixed signals.
5federalnewsnetwork.comNews and mediaquality 0.93
Public trust in government down to 27%, research shows | Federal News Network
Backs: “Lower trust can hinder government performance regardless of policy direction.”
statistic, article, points to no. Claim: Trust in federal government is low, around a quarter of Americans, and 89% say corruption is widespread.
6usa.govGovernment
Presidents, vice presidents, and first ladies | USAGov
Backs: “Which aspect—efficiency, policy results, fiscal health, or institutional norms—matters most to you?”
background, reference entry. Claim: Attached to the bottom-line summary and closing question about which aspect of improvement matters most; general presidential background.