Sheelah Craighead
Public Domain: Official White House Photo of President Donald J. Trump
The year 2025 marks the beginning of Donald Trump’s second term as president under the Republican Party, following the events of his impeachment in 2021. Since taking office, Trump has shown no intention of slowing down in his pursuit of policy changes.
Trump’s presidency has been marked by several significant policy reforms affecting trade, inflation, and the future of American industries, along with the broader population, which must adapt to the changes being implemented.
Tariffs have been a major issue in the United States since the 1820s due to their economic and political implications. Under Trump’s direction, the U.S. has reintroduced and expanded tariffs on imported goods, particularly from China. This policy reform is reflective of the Tariff of 1828 and is designed to protect American manufacturers and industries from foreign competition.
The move has created a rocky relationship between the U.S. and China, as Trump’s approach is often marked by statements that are later retracted or altered.
“The back and forth is creating chaos and a destabilized economic environment,” said Mr. Spiconardi, a history teacher at White Plains High School. “We’ve never had this sort of instability and uncertainty around tariffs.”
In addition, Trump’s administration has also implemented “America First” policies aimed at encouraging domestic manufacturing and bringing factories back to the United States. These policies focus on using tariffs and incentives to bolster U.S. industry and jobs.
Immigration policies under Trump include efforts to deport undocumented immigrants. Immigrants make up 14.3% of the U.S. population, and their potential deportation could lead to significant economic challenges, including labor shortages in factories and an increase in manufacturing jobs that may not be easily filled.
The tariffs have led to inflation on imported goods, forcing families to make difficult decisions about what they can afford.
“High prices affect a mother and her family because they struggle to make ends meet while caring for their children,” said Yuliana Marroquin, a student at White Plains High School. “Not only is she worried about her family, but also prices, jobs, and potentially having to work extra shifts.”
As time goes on, the future remains uncertain. Predictions are being made about what will come of the country, with hopes that stability will eventually be restored.