One year after returning to the White House, Donald Trump has moved quickly to implement many of the pledges that defined his 2024 campaign.
From border security to tax relief and cultural policy, the administration has relied heavily on executive authority and fast-tracked legislation. As the nation looks ahead to the 2026 midterm elections, voters are now asking a simple question: Which promises have been kept—and which remain unfinished?
Below is a clear, issue-by-issue review of where Trump’s agenda stands today.
Border Security and Immigration Enforcement
Border enforcement has been one of the most visible areas of change.
Federal data shows more than 605,000 deportations since Trump took office, along with an estimated 1.9 million voluntary departures. At the same time, reported encounters at the southern border have fallen sharply, dropping to under 12,000 in September, compared to far higher levels during the previous administration.
Additional actions include:
- A sharply reduced refugee admissions cap
- New travel restrictions affecting multiple countries
- Tighter standards for asylum entry
While legal challenges have delayed certain removals, supporters say the overall trend reflects a significant policy shift.
Prices, Inflation, and Household Costs
Lowering everyday costs was central to Trump’s campaign message—especially for seniors and working families.
Recent economic data shows inflation increasing more slowly than expected, and the U.S. economy posted strong third-quarter growth. However, many essentials remain expensive.
Food prices, energy costs, and grocery staples have continued to rise, putting pressure on household budgets. One exception has been gasoline, with national averages falling roughly 20 cents per gallon compared to last year.
The administration argues that inflationary pressures were inherited and that price relief will continue as policy changes take effect.
Ukraine and Foreign Policy Challenges
Trump also pledged to bring major international conflicts to an end, including the war in Ukraine.
Despite multiple diplomatic meetings with Ukrainian and Russian leaders, the conflict remains unresolved. Negotiations are ongoing, and U.S. officials say progress is possible, but no formal agreement has been finalized.
Trump has continued to frame himself as a deal-maker while acknowledging that this conflict has proven more complex than anticipated.
Taxes, Tips, and Overtime Pay
On the domestic front, Trump delivered on several high-profile economic promises.
In July, Congress passed—and Trump signed—a sweeping tax and spending package that:
- Extended the 2017 tax cuts
- Eliminated federal taxes on qualified tipped income
- Allowed deductions for eligible overtime wages
Supporters say the changes benefit workers and retirees alike, while critics warn about long-term debt. Regardless, the provisions mark a clear follow-through on campaign commitments.
January 6 Pardons
One of Trump’s most debated actions came early in his term.
The president issued pardons to nearly all individuals charged in connection with the January 6, 2021, Capitol incident. The move fulfilled a promise Trump made during the campaign, framing the prosecutions as excessive and politically driven.
The decision remains controversial but continues to resonate strongly with his core supporters.
IVF Access and Family Policy
During the campaign, Trump surprised many voters by addressing fertility treatment costs.
While full government-funded IVF has not been enacted, the administration has:
- Expanded employer insurance options for IVF coverage
- Taken steps to lower the cost of certain fertility medications
These measures aim to improve access without creating new federal mandates.
Transgender Policy and DEI Rollbacks
Trump also followed through on several cultural policy promises.
Actions taken include:
- Restricting transgender participation in women’s sports
- Defining federal sex classifications as biological
- Rolling back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs across federal agencies
The administration argues these changes restore fairness and merit-based standards, while opponents criticize the scope of the rollbacks.
What This Means Heading Into 2026
As Trump approaches the midpoint of his second term, many of his most visible campaign promises have already been acted upon—particularly on immigration, taxes, and cultural issues.
Other goals, such as lowering overall living costs and ending foreign conflicts, remain works in progress.
With the 2026 elections on the horizon, voters will be weighing these results carefully as the political landscape continues to shift.