Is Donald Trump improving the US government?
Short answer: it depends on what you mean by “improving.” Across different yardsticks, the picture is mixed.
Where supporters point to improvements
Where critics see harm or risks
Bottom line: Some performance indicators improved during Trump’s current term (notably reported crime and certain border metrics), while other developments raised concerns about constitutional limits, civil‑service neutrality, fiscal sustainability, and consumer costs. Whether that counts as “improving the government” depends on which outcomes and values you prioritize.
If you can tell me which areas you care about most—economy, immigration, crime, climate/energy, foreign policy, or the functioning of the federal bureaucracy—I can go deeper on just those, with the latest data and rulings.
Citations (9)
- FBI Releases 2025 Reported Crimes in the Nation Statistics — FBI
Backs: “The FBI reports a historically large drop in violent crime in 2025 (about −9% year over year), with the murder rate falling to its lowest level in decades; early 2026 data show declines continuing.”
statistic, article, points to yes. Claim: FBI reports a historically large drop in violent crime in 2025 (about -9%) and murder rate at lowest in decades.
- GAO-26-107765, BORDER SECURITY: Additional Information Could Inform Enforcement Decisions for Noncitizens Paroled at the Southwest Border
Backs: “The administration also tightened several immigration policies (some later blocked in court).”
evidence, official document, points to yes. Claim: GAO says Southwest border encounters fell sharply in FY2025 versus prior years.
- GDP (Advance Estimate), 4th Quarter and Year 2025 | U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA)
Backs: “CPI inflation ran 3.4% year over year in August 2026—lower than the 2021–2022 peaks.”
statistic, article, points to yes. Claim: Real GDP grew about 2.1% in 2025; economy indicators cited as improvements.
- DCPD-202500138 - Executive Order 14171—Restoring Accountability to Policy-Influencing Positions Within the Federal Workforce - DCPD-202500138 | Content Details | GovInfo
Backs: “The White House and OPM created a new “Schedule Policy/Career” category (a revival of “Schedule F”–style reforms) to make it easier to remove policy‑influencing civil servants, which backers say increases accountability and efficiency.”
evidence, official document, points to yes. Claim: Schedule Policy/Career created to make removing policy-influencing civil servants easier, which backers say increases accountability.
- Continuing the Suspension of Duty-Free De Minimis Treatment for All Countries – The White House
Backs: “The administration suspended the “de minimis” duty‑free threshold for low‑value imports and expanded tariff tools, arguing this protects industry and addresses illicit flows.”
evidence, official document, points to yes. Claim: Administration suspended de minimis duty-free threshold, arguing it protects industry and addresses illicit flows.
- Supreme Court upholds birthright citizenship, striking down Trump's order - CBS News
Backs: “The Supreme Court struck down the administration’s attempt to limit birthright citizenship (June 30, 2026), highlighting overreach and legal defeats.”
evidence, article, points to no. Claim: Supreme Court struck down the attempt to limit birthright citizenship, highlighting overreach and legal defeats.
- Federal Agency Workforce Changes: Update for July 2025 to January 2026 | U.S. GAO
Backs: “GAO and OPM data show sizable federal workforce reductions; opponents argue Schedule Policy/Career undermines merit protections and degrades service delivery.”
evidence, official document, points to no. Claim: GAO data show sizable federal workforce reductions, raising concerns about civil service capacity.
- Monthly Budget Review: Summary for Fiscal Year 2025 | Congressional Budget Office
Backs: “The deficit remained very large—about $1.8T in FY2025—and debt grew relative to GDP; CBO projects persistent, high deficits.”
statistic, data page, points to no. Claim: Deficit remained very large, about $1.8T in FY2025, with debt growing relative to GDP.
- Federal Register / Vol. 91, No. 120 / Wednesday, June 24, 2026 / Rules and Regulations
Backs: “The de minimis suspension and shifting tariff policy raise compliance costs and prices for many importers and consumers, according to agencies’ own rulemaking records.”
evidence, official document, points to no. Claim: De minimis suspension and shifting tariffs raise compliance costs and prices for importers and consumers.