As President Trump gears up for his first State of the Union since returning to office, there’s a lot to consider regarding his campaign promises. Some have been fulfilled, while others are still a work in progress or facing legal hurdles.
His 2024 campaign has focused on immigration, the economy, tariffs, and reducing U.S. involvement in foreign wars. Over a year into his second term, political strategists from both major parties have noted that while there have been important developments in certain areas, others have not met expectations.
A recent poll from Fox News indicated that many voters don’t have a favorable view of Trump’s handling of the economy (40% approval), foreign policy (37%), or tariffs (37%). However, his immigration policies fared a little better, with 44% approval, and border security garnered a 52% approval rating.
Falling border crossings, contentious deportations
One of Trump’s standout promises was to curb what he referred to as an “invasion” at the southern border by slashing illegal crossings and ramping up deportations.
Data from the Department of Homeland Security reveals a steep decline in border crossings since Trump took command, and he’s likely to highlight this success in his upcoming speech. However, the promise of mass deportations has attracted controversy. Enforcement actions, like ICE raids, have not achieved the substantial reduction in the undocumented population that he pledged. Additionally, numerous lawsuits regarding deportations continue to emerge.
Julian Epstein, a Democratic consultant, argues that while Trump has made strides at the border, he hasn’t clearly communicated the rationale behind his deportation policies. Theo Wald, a former assistant attorney general during Trump’s first term, noted that Trump has countered the Biden administration’s lenient border stance but accepted that the ongoing fights over deportations have obscured more positive regulatory changes aimed at asylum fraud and guest worker visa usage.
Both Epstein and Wald awarded Trump an “A-” for his immigration policies.
Legal hurdles for tariffs, yet a course correction
Trump has also pledged to impose hefty tariffs on imports to support American industries. However, his plans took a hit when the Supreme Court ruled against his authority to impose wide-ranging emergency tariffs without Congress. Undeterred, he proposed a new 10% global tariff and expressed intentions to increase that to 15%.
Epstein commented that while Trump aimed to reverse the economic setbacks faced by the middle class, his strategies have often lacked focus and clarity. Meanwhile, Bradley Devlin, an editor at the Daily Signal, argued that fears of a recession due to tariffs have proven unfounded, pointing to rising real wages for American workers.
Epstein graded Trump a B and Devlin gave him an A.
Foreign policy remains fluid
On foreign policy, Trump has repeatedly hinted he might resolve the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, yet this remains unfulfilled. Still, his diplomatic initiatives have garnered praise from some quarters.
Epstein highlighted that Trump has moved the U.S. significantly ahead of the previous administration in the Middle East while also improving safety in the Western Hemisphere. Devlin pointed out that, despite some aggressive posturing towards Iran, Trump’s military threats were aimed at negotiating a resolution rather than provoking conflict.
However, challenges like peace in Ukraine and the Middle East conflict still seem far from resolution, and a potential U.S.-Iran conflict looms. Epstein gave Trump an A while Devlin awarded a C+.
Economic challenges persist
The economy has been a cornerstone of Trump’s platform, focusing on inflation control and boosting domestic energy production. Recent data shows that while inflation is easing, it continues to be a concern. Trump has also touted tax reforms implemented through a major bill passed in 2025 as a success related to his policies.
Epstein remarked that, although the economic trajectory looks positive, Trump hasn’t sufficiently addressed the worries of the populace. In contrast, Elizabeth Pipko from the RNC described the economic progress during Trump’s tenure as substantial, including reduced inflation and increased wages.
Pipko rated Trump an A, while Epstein’s assessment was a B+.
