45 Becomes 47: What to Expect from Trump’s Return
By: Ren Hite
The sad reality is that this—along with whatever other shifts will occur in the next four years—is what the majority of the American population voted for.
On Jan. 20, the United States experienced the much-anticipated—and for some, much-dreaded—transition of power as former President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris handed over the reins to President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance.
This changing of the guard marks a significant shift in the nation’s political landscape, sparking intense discussion across the political spectrum. Between the November election and today, the stage has already been set for considerable changes in the American political climate.
This article takes a closer look at the successes and shortcomings of the previous administration while exploring what the new leadership has already accomplished in the month following the election. Additionally, we’ll delve into the policy plans and priorities the Trump-Vance administration has outlined for the future, offering insight into what Americans might expect in the coming years.
Biden-Harris Successes and Shortcomings
Many far-right-wing Americans and politicians may argue that little to nothing was achieved by the Biden-Harris administration during its four years in office. However, contrary to this belief, the previous administration enacted numerous policies that benefited the American people and the overall political and economic climate of the United States. Here are a few key accomplishments:
Inflation Reduction Act of 2022
According to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the Inflation Reduction Act modifies and extends the Clean Energy Investment Tax Credit to provide up to a 30% credit for qualifying investments in wind, solar, energy storage, and other renewable energy projects that meet prevailing wage standards and employ a sufficient proportion of qualified apprentices from registered apprenticeship programs.
Further information about the act can be found here.
Student Loan Debt Initiatives
During its tenure, the Biden-Harris administration implemented several initiatives aimed at alleviating student loan debt. Many of these initiatives and loan forgiveness figures have gone undiscussed, likely because, despite the large sum of debt forgiven, many Americans continue to struggle with student loan debt.
According to AmericanProgress.org:
“Since taking office, the Biden-Harris administration has delivered historic levels of student loan debt relief—almost $190 billion for 5.3 million borrowers. These discharges fulfill promises made by existing programs that frequently left borrowers in limbo.”
Veterans’ Benefits and Civil Rights Initiatives
The Biden-Harris administration made significant improvements in the mental, physical, and economic well-being of veterans. These initiatives included the Strengthening Food Security in the Force: Strategy and Roadmap report, which outlined more than 50 actions across the Department of Defense to improve service members’ access to nutritious, affordable food.
In his first week in office, Biden repealed the discriminatory ban on transgender individuals serving in the military. By October 2024, the Department of Defense had completed a comprehensive review of discharge records for former service members who had received less-than-honorable discharges due to their sexual orientation under the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. As a result, 96% of individuals who were administratively separated based on their sexual orientation—and who served long enough to qualify for a merit-based characterization of service—have now had their discharge status upgraded to honorable.
These are just a few accomplishments of the Biden-Harris administration. More comprehensive lists can be found on WhiteHouse.gov and the Democratic Party website.
Shortcomings of the Biden-Harris Administration
Although the Biden-Harris administration achieved several positive economic changes during its four years in office, many Americans felt the impact of rising costs in housing, groceries, healthcare, and other essentials.
According to CBS News:
“Although Biden’s policies were key in helping the economy recover from the pandemic, millions of Americans continue to struggle with a cost-of-living crisis worsened by the hottest inflation in four decades. Long-term challenges in housing affordability only deepened during the Biden administration, while U.S. wealth inequality today remains near record levels.”
As college students, we’ve felt these effects firsthand—whether through Oxford rent, grocery costs, bar covers, Ubers, or tuition expenses. While inflation is influenced by many factors beyond the administration’s control, it’s fair to question whether more could have been done.
Another widely criticized issue—especially among progressives—was the Biden administration’s handling of foreign affairs, most notably its response to the conflict in Gaza. Many liberal Americans viewed the administration’s reluctance to call for a ceasefire as emblematic of a U.S. government that prioritizes economic and political interests over humanitarian concerns.
Trump-Vance Administration: Current and Upcoming Changes
Since his inauguration on Jan. 20, Donald Trump has signed several executive orders that have sparked controversy. Given his and Vance’s campaign promises, these actions were not unexpected. Some of the most notable executive orders include:
● Declassifying JFK, RFK, and Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination files
● Enacting emergency measures to provide water resources in California and other wildfire-affected areas
● Granting executive clemency to Terence Sutton and Andrew Zabavsky, the police officers convicted in the cover-up of Karon Hylton-Brown’s 2020 murder
● Eliminating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs in federal government offices
According to the White House, Trump has revoked the following federal policies:
● Executive Order 12898 (Environmental justice in minority and low-income populations)
● Executive Order 13583 (Government-wide diversity and inclusion initiatives)
● Executive Order 13672 (Equal Employment Opportunity protections for federal employees and contractors)
● The 2016 Presidential Memorandum on diversity in the national security workforce
Additionally, the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs must:
● Cease promoting “diversity.”
● Stop requiring federal contractors to take “affirmative action.”
● Ensure employment and contracting practices do not consider race, gender, or other identity factors in ways that violate civil rights laws.
These rollbacks raise serious concerns for those aware of ongoing civil and human rights struggles in America. Many universities—including ours—have already begun scaling back DEI initiatives, as have major corporations and government agencies.
Alongside these actions, the Trump-Vance administration has ramped Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids and deportation efforts.
The reality is that this, and whatever other shifts will occur over the next four years, reflects what the majority of American voters chose. Those who opposed Trump’s policies—whether they supported Harris or a third-party candidate—will bear the brunt of these changes.
