Trump fights Washington’s power structure, protects voter benefits

Daily Report March 28,2025

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As President Trump’s second term approaches its 100-day mark in late April, the contrast with his first administration is striking. Unlike his initial term, marked by controversies over inaugural crowds and Russian collusion allegations, this presidency has maintained a focused and determined approach.

The current administration stands as perhaps the most anti-government since Reagan’s era, possibly surpassing it. Trump’s first term, hindered by political inexperience and ideological uncertainty, largely followed traditional Republican policies of tax cuts and conservative judicial appointments. This differed from both Bush administrations, which had made their peace with federal government expansion.

While Reagan famously declared government as the problem rather than the solution, Trump’s current agenda reaches further. Rather than simply reducing government’s burden on business, Trump views the administrative state as part of a larger system, including media outlets, Democratic organizations, and NGOs, that he believes attempted to undermine both his presidency and himself personally. His response has been to systematically dismantle this perceived political machine.

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This approach mirrors Andrew Jackson’s historic confrontation with the Bank of the United States. Trump’s determination to restructure Washington’s power dynamics has proven surprisingly effective, utilizing decades of congressional delegation of authority to the executive branch. The president has exploited these tools, previously governed by informal agreements, to reshape federal governance.

The dismantling of USAID exemplifies this approach, made possible by Congress’s historical failure to establish it through formal legislation. Now, with Republican congressional support, Trump’s administrative changes may become permanent through enabling legislation.

However, Trump’s focus appears more centered on redistributing political power than addressing fiscal sustainability. Despite quarterly deficits reaching $750 billion, his cuts target administrative agencies rather than addressing major spending in defense and healthcare. The administration seems more interested in eliminating taxes on tips and Social Security than addressing fundamental fiscal challenges.

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This strategy reflects a calculated political approach: targeting Democratic-leaning administrative institutions while preserving programs benefiting his working-class base. It marks a departure from the “Reform Conservative” movement’s focus on entitlement reform, championed by former Speaker Paul Ryan.

This shift acknowledges political reality. Previous attempts to address fiscal sustainability, such as the Romney-Ryan ticket in 2012, failed to resonate with voters. Trump, demonstrating keen political instinct, has adapted accordingly, dismantling Democratic institutional power while protecting popular programs like Medicare that benefit his supporters.