Is Donald Trump improving the US government?

Short answer: it depends on what you mean by “improving.”

Context

•As of October 22, 2026, Donald J. Trump is the 47th U.S. president, in office since January 20, 2025.[1]

Where supporters point to “improvement”

•Smaller federal bureaucracy and restructuring: Federal workforce headcount has fallen since late 2024, according to OPM data and GAO reviews of agency changes. Supporters argue this makes government leaner and more accountable.[2]

•Deregulation drive: The 2026 Unified Regulatory Agenda and OIRA’s plan emphasize cutting or revising rules across agencies; analysts note the administration is framing this as reducing burdens and speeding decisions.[3]

•Targeted modernization/national-security moves: For example, an order to accelerate the federal transition to post‑quantum cryptography is pitched as strengthening cybersecurity.[4]

Where critics say government is worse off (or no better)

•Fiscal management: CBO projects a roughly $1.9 trillion federal deficit in FY2026 and a rising debt path, which critics say constrains government capacity and stability.[5]

•Governing by executive action and litigation: The administration’s heavy reliance on executive orders has drawn extensive court challenges; the Supreme Court recently blocked a policy affecting transgender inmates—an example of contested, stop‑start governance.[6]

•Public confidence and perceived ethics: National surveys in 2026 show low approval and declining confidence in Trump’s handling of key issues; many Americans say ethics and honesty in government have fallen.[7]

Bottom line

•If you value a smaller workforce and fewer regulations, you may view these changes as “improving” government.

•If you prioritize fiscal sustainability, stable implementation, and broad public trust, you may conclude the government is not improving.

If you tell me which aspect you care most about—size/efficiency, budgets, service delivery, rule of law, or public trust—I can give a tighter, metric‑based assessment for that area.

Citations (7)

1usa.govGovernment
Presidents, vice presidents, and first ladies | USAGov
Backs: “Trump is the 47th U.S. president, in office since January 20, 2025.”
2opm.govGovernment
Workforce Size & Composition
Backs: “Supporters argue this makes government leaner and more accountable.”
3reginfo.govGovernment
https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/eAgendaMain
Backs: “The 2026 Unified Regulatory Agenda and OIRA’s plan emphasize cutting or revising rules across agencies; analysts note the administration is framing this as reducing burdens and speeding decisions.”
4ncsl.orgNonprofits and think tanks
Trump Administration Actions: Key Executive Orders and Policies
Backs: “For example, an order to accelerate the federal transition to post‑quantum cryptography is pitched as strengthening cybersecurity.”
5cbo.govGovernment
The Budget and Economic Outlook: 2026 to 2036 | Congressional Budget Office
Backs: “CBO projects a roughly $1.9 trillion federal deficit in FY2026 and a rising debt path, which critics say constrains government capacity and stability.”
6justsecurity.orgNews and mediaquality 0.77
Collection: Coverage of Trump Administration’s Executive Actions
Backs: “The administration’s heavy reliance on executive orders has drawn extensive court challenges; the Supreme Court recently blocked a policy affecting transgender inmates—an example of contested, stop‑start governance.”
7pewresearch.orgNonprofits and think tanks
Trump’s Approval Rating Drops as Fewer Americans Are Confident in His Handling of the Economy, Other Issues | Pew Research Center
Backs: “National surveys in 2026 show low approval and declining confidence in Trump’s handling of key issues; many Americans say ethics and honesty in government have fallen.”