According to the Financial Times, since returning to the White House, US President Trump has delivered on many campaign promises regarding tax cuts, immigration control, tariff increases, and deregulation of energy and environmental regulations. However, progress on goals such as lowering the cost of living, reducing the trade deficit, and avoiding overseas wars has fallen short of expectations.
Data shows that the US inflation rate rose to 3.7% in September, and mortgage rates were around 7.4%, both higher than Trump's previous targets. Despite record levels of US oil and gas production and exports, the Middle East wars continue to drive up gasoline and electricity prices. In trade, while high tariffs have been implemented, the trade deficit has not seen sustained narrowing.
Immigration policy is an area with relatively high progress; the number of illegal border crossers in August fell to 8,870, a significant decrease from the peak of approximately 250,000 in December 2023. However, the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and the US involvement in the Iran nuclear deal contrast with Trump's promise to avoid overseas conflicts. Overall, executive and legislative measures have progressed rapidly, but the outward-looking goals in the economic and diplomatic spheres still face challenges.
