These 27 Trump Decisions Did Not Benefit Anyone: Likely Made Lives Worse

Nearly a year into Donald Trump's second term, numerous actions and policies have sparked significant criticism. Many observers have questioned the practical benefits of these moves. Here are 27 notable examples:

1. In July, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. proposed removing 16 members of a cancer and HIV task force for being too "woke." No official dismissals have occurred yet.
2. The administration closed the national LGBTQ+ youth suicide hotline.
3. Trump attempted to reverse asbestos bans earlier this year but retreated after widespread backlash.
4. Congress approved plans to eliminate federal funding for PBS, NPR, and other member stations, affecting programs for children.
5. Federal grants totaling $1 billion for school mental health services, including counselors and social workers, were discontinued.
6. The "One Big, Beautiful Bill" included ending solar and electric vehicle tax credits previously benefiting homeowners and car buyers.
7. Housing discrimination and segregation investigations by the Department of Housing and Urban Development were reportedly halted after Trumps election.
8. The Department of Education announced an end to COVID-era student loan leniency, including wage garnishment for collections.
9. Russian-born Harvard scientist Kseniia Petrova, working on cancer detection software, was detained by ICE, pausing her research.
10. The Supreme Court weakened the 1972 Clean Water Act, limiting regulation of raw sewage discharge.
11. Republicans blocked an amendment to prevent cuts to Alzheimers research at the NIH.
12. Trump suggested that the United States would take over the Gaza Strip, envisioning it as a "Riviera of the Middle East," with all residents being resettled.
13. An executive order renamed landmarks, including changing the Gulf of Mexico to the "Gulf of America" and Denali to "Mount McKinley," also declaring a new commemorative day.
14. Nearly $10 million in contraceptives meant for developing countries was scheduled for destruction despite outside offers to save them.
15. The EPA proposed repealing a 2009 determination that greenhouse gases endanger human health, rolling back emission regulations for vehicles.
16. The administration planned to shut down the EPAs scientific research division that studies environmental and chemical hazards.
17. New regulations would loosen reporting requirements for companies using persistent "forever chemicals," while approving related pesticides for food use.
18. The Direct File program, which simplified federal tax filing for Americans, was terminated.
19. A federal judge in Texas reversed a rule removing medical debt from credit reports.
20. An executive order banned paper straws nationwide.
21. Trump declared that wind turbines would no longer be built in the U.S., claimingincorrectlythat they harm whales.
22. The White House Rose Garden was stripped of plants and transformed into a concrete structure.
23. NASA was asked to end at least two satellite missions, including one tracking greenhouse gases.
24. Airlines were no longer required to reimburse passengers for delays, cancellations, or lost luggage, overturning a Biden-era rule.
25. RFK Jr. canceled nearly $500 million in mRNA vaccine contracts.
26. The FDA planned to reduce routine food safety inspections significantly.
27. The White Houses East Wing was gutted to build a $200 million golden ballroom, during one of the longest government shutdowns in U.S. history while millions faced food insecurity.

These actions illustrate a range of policy shifts, funding cuts, and administrative decisions that have prompted public concern and debate.

Author: Sophia Brooks