When President Trump returned to the White House in 2025, he didn’t waste any time. On his very first day, he signed a whopping 26 executive orders—a stark contrast to the single order he issued back in 2017. From border security to energy production, these actions have sparked plenty of debate. But what do they really mean?

Some of the orders are undeniably significant. One aims to end birthright citizenship, while another focuses on boosting energy production. There’s even a directive targeting government efficiency and the federal workforce. However, not all of these moves are groundbreaking. Some appear to be more about sending a message, and their long-term impact remains uncertain, especially with potential legal challenges ahead.

So, what’s the big picture here? According to policy experts, it’s a mix of bold changes and symbolic gestures. The sheer volume of orders makes it tough to pinpoint which ones will stick and which might fizzle out.

To dig deeper, let’s turn to those who’ve been tracking Trump’s policies for years. Matthew Yglesias, known for his insightful Substack newsletter Slow Boring, and Dara Lind, a senior fellow at the American Immigration Council, joined a recent podcast to break it all down. Their take? While some of these orders could reshape key areas like immigration and energy, others might not hold up under scrutiny.

The bottom line? Trump’s Day-One actions are a mix of substance and spectacle. Whether these changes will last—or even make it past the courts—remains to be seen. One thing’s for sure: the policy landscape is shifting, and it’s worth keeping a close eye on what comes next.