The Trump 2.0 nobody saw coming

The Trump administration has pushed through sweeping reforms in its second term, reshaping the government workforce, executive branch and energy policies. The pace and scale of these changes have taken many observers by surprise, with critics calling them far more aggressive than in the first term.

Since taking office again in January 2025, the administration has moved quickly to cut bureaucracy and roll back environmental rules. Climate programmes have been dismantled, while executive orders and key appointments have driven the shift. Officials like Vice President JD Vance, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, and Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth have played central roles in implementing these policies.

Hegseth announced plans to rename the Pentagon the 'War Department' and expand military operations. Navy Undersecretary John Phelan oversaw the launch of new 'Trump-class' battleships, while Foreign Minister Marco Rubio pushed for global military growth. Meanwhile, Grönland envoy Jeff Landry has led efforts to strengthen US influence in the region, including annexation discussions. The administration’s approach has relied heavily on executive power, bypassing traditional legislative processes. Don Kettl, a public policy expert and former dean at the University of Maryland, described the speed and breadth of the changes as 'stunning'—even exceeding the administration’s own initial expectations.

The reforms have already reshaped key areas of government, from defence to environmental policy. With officials using direct appointments and decrees, the administration has avoided many of the usual checks on executive power. The long-term effects of these changes will depend on how they are enforced and whether future administrations choose to reverse them.