Trump’s First Year: How It Has Affected You

Environment, immigration, economics: Where the president has made his mark.

President Trump’s to-do list is only partially complete, but the unconventional candidate-turned-unpredictable president has changed Americans’ lives in many ways during his first year in office. Felipe Dana/AP Immigration A three-day government shutdown, which Congress voted to end on Monday, was caused mainly by a disagreement on immigration policy. Senate Democrats ultimately supported a stopgap spending measure after assurances that there would be further action on the issue. One program at stake: Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, which Trump said he would end on March 5. Trump has also altered policy on refugees. Migrant rights advocates warn that President Trump's attempts to shut down the refugee resettlement program will have long-term consequences. The year the U.S. refugee resettlement program unraveled LA Johnson/NPR Education Trump’s nomination and the confirmation of Betsy DeVos as education secretary was one of the biggest education stories of the year. As secretary, DeVos rescinded Obama-era guidance for schools on transgender rights, and has repeatedly invoked school choice – though the administration has yet to institute federal policy changes that would lead to more money for charter schools or private schools. DeVos also began a "regulatory reset" on Obama-era rules for for-profit schools. The biggest education stories of 2017 and 2018 Dan Charles/NPR Economy The stock market has been doing well under Trump, though it’s hard to tie that directly to Trump’s policies. The administration has rolled back bank regulations that could affect consumers, including a recent proposal on payday lenders. One of the biggest financial moves Trump made was signing the Republican tax bill. The tax plan will affect everyone, but will it grow the economy? Scott Olson/Getty Images Health The Republican tax bill that was signed into law in December ended the penalty for not having health insurance starting in 2019. Health insurance is mandatory under the Affordable Care Act, but the so-called individual mandate is widely unpopular. Trump has declared Obamacare “repealed,” but it is not. In fact, in December enrollment was high for the federal insurance exchange. ACA enrollment defies expectations for supporters and opponents Martin Meissner/AP Environment President Trump and a trio of Cabinet members have made headway in their campaign for American fossil fuel "energy dominance." The administration also ordered the largest national monument reduction in U.S. history, scaling back two land monuments in Utah – quickly spurring a battle over the legality of the decision. Trump’s busy year on energy and environment You received this message because you're subscribed to our Best of NPR emails. |  Unsubscribe  |  Privacy Policy | NPR 1111 N. CAPITOL ST. NE WASHINGTON DC 20002