WASHINGTON () Six months into his second term, President Donald Trump has said the United States is “revived,” calling it one of the most consequential periods of any presidency.
The administration has highlighted sweeping changes in immigration, the economy and defense, though new polling shows public approval of Trump’s policies is slipping.
Over the weekend, Trump marked the milestone on social media: “One year ago, our Country was DEAD, with almost no hope of revival. Today the USA is the ‘hottest’ and most respected Country anywhere in the World.”
The American people have also weighed in on Trump’s performance so far.
A CBS/YouGov poll shows Trump’s overall approval at 42%, down from 53% in February. On immigration, 44% approve of Trump’s performance, while on inflation, 36% approve.
Six in 10 of those surveyed disapprove of the administration’s signature legislative win, the “one big beautiful bill.”
White House praises passage of ‘big, beautiful bill’
The administration has touted the passage of Trump’s “one big, beautiful bill” now law which included $4.5 trillion in tax cuts. The legislation also provides hundreds of billions for border security and defense, offset by more than $1 trillion in spending cuts.
Border crossings hit record low
The White House has also spotlighted lowered border crossings as a significant achievement, alongside increased deportations and tightened immigration enforcement.
June saw the lowest number of illegal border crossings on record, according to Customs and Border Protection.
Trade deals and tariff tensions loom
The administration is racing to finalize trade deals before an Aug. 1 deadline, having already reached agreements with the United Kingdom and Vietnam. Without further deals, tariffs could spike for other U.S. trading partners.
Trump pushes for ceasefires in Ukraine, Gaza
Trump has renewed calls for ceasefires in Ukraine and Gaza. He has repeatedly urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to pursue peace, warning that countries aiding Russia could face steep U.S. tariffs.
Congress divided over Trump agenda
The six-month mark has brought mixed reactions in Congress.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., praised the administration’s progress.
“There’s always more to do, for sure, but we’ve had incredibly successful and productive six months,” Thune told Fox News. “The president’s agenda is being accomplished piece by piece in a way that I think is going to benefit the American people by making our country safer and stronger and more prosperous.
But Democrats have criticized the costs.
“This $9 billion recession package is a joke,” Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash., told Fox News. “We’re slashing foreign aid, health care, and food programs all because a few LGBTQ initiatives were targeted.”
