In 2025, President Donald J. Trump’s second term began with an unprecedented wave of executive action, signing 225 orders in a record-breaking push to reshape federal policy. Below are our highlights of our 2025 federal politics coverage.
Trump signs order to reschedule marijuana for medical use
On December 18, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order titled “Increasing Medical Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research,” directing federal agencies to expedite rescheduling marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act. The move aims to ease research barriers, provide guidance for medical use in conditions like chronic pain, anorexia, and nausea, and align policy with evidence of therapeutic benefits. It builds on a 2023 HHS recommendation and cites widespread patient use (over six million in 43 jurisdictions) and public support (82% for rescheduling). The order also addresses CBD safety, product labeling inconsistencies, and collaboration with Congress on hemp definitions. Trump emphasized public demand: “We have people begging for me to do this.” Experts welcomed the step but noted ongoing federal-state conflicts, potential tax relief for businesses, and calls for full descheduling or clemency.
Hospitals performing gender-affirming care on children to lose Medicare and Medicaid funding
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), under Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., announced proposed regulatory actions to terminate Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP funding for hospitals providing gender-affirming care to minors, including puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and surgeries. HHS cited risks such as infertility, bone density loss, and brain development issues, referencing a peer-reviewed report and large-scale study showing no reliable benefits. Warning letters were also issued to 12 breast binder manufacturers for alleged illegal marketing to children. HHS is reversing prior recognition of gender dysphoria as a disability. Washington AG Nick Brown called the proposal “cruel and unnecessary,” noting youth gender-affirming care remains legal in the state.
Charlie Kirk assassinated at Utah Valley University event
On September 10, 2025, conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, 31, founder of Turning Point USA, was assassinated during an outdoor rally at Utah Valley University. Shot in the neck from 200 yards with a rifle from a rooftop, he died after surgery. The FBI described it as targeted; a Mauser rifle with anti-fascist/transgender engravings was recovered. A manhunt continues. Kirk, a Trump supporter with millions of followers, authored books and hosted a popular show. Washington officials, including Gov. Bob Ferguson, Sens. Patty Murray and Marko Liias, and Mukilteo Councilman Mike Dixon condemned political violence.
Brian Cole, Jr, arrested for the 2021 US Capitol pipe bombs placed ahead of J6
On December 4, 2025, Brian J. Cole, Jr., 30, of Woodbridge, VA, was arrested for placing two viable pipe bombs (IEDs with black powder, timers, and wiring) outside the RNC and DNC headquarters on January 5, 2021. The devices were discovered January 6 and rendered safe. Charged with interstate transport of explosives and malicious destruction, the arrest followed reexamination of evidence, cellphone data, and surveillance. Cole works for a family bail bonds business aiding ICE detainees. Officials praised renewed investigative efforts under new leadership.
Autopen-gate: The erasure of the Biden Presidency
On November 28, 2025, President Trump announced termination of all documents signed by Joe Biden using an autopen (estimated 92% of executive actions), calling it unlawful without direct authorization. A House Oversight report accused aides of fraud amid Biden’s cognitive decline, with testimony revealing no set protocol and involvement of Hunter Biden in pardons. Trump revoked 97 executive orders; pardons for figures like Fauci and Milley are at risk. A 2005 DOJ opinion supports autopen use if directed by the president. Legal challenges expected.
Longest government shutdown in U.S. history
The longest government shutdown in U.S. history (at 42 days) took place due to budget impasse requiring 60 Senate votes. Republicans blamed Democrats for rejecting clean continuing resolutions and demanding extra spending; Democrats accused Republicans of refusing talks and intentional harm via SNAP cuts and firings. Impacts in Washington: 79,532 federal workers unpaid, 930,000 lost SNAP benefits, national parks closed, tribes lost grants, and food banks saw 50% demand increase. Gov. Ferguson allocated $2.2M weekly for food banks; local leaders criticized the political standoff.
ANTIFA designated a Domestic Terrorist Organization
On September 22, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order designating Antifa a domestic terrorist organization, describing it as a militarist, anarchist group seeking government overthrow via violence. It directs FBI/DOJ investigations into operations and funding. Trump called it a “sick, dangerous, radical left disaster.”
Local conservative journalists visit White House to meet President Trump
On October 8, 2025, President Trump hosted a White House roundtable exposing Antifa violence and funding. He directed classification as a foreign terror group. Participants (including Rubio, Bondi, Noem, Patel, and journalists like Andy Ngo, Brandi Kruse) discussed attacks on ICE agents (+1,000% since January), Portland sieges, and ties to donors like Open Society ($100M+). Funding called a “protest industrial complex.” Actions include arrests, financial probes, and “Operation Summer Heat.”
Trump signs 225 executive orders in 2025 at record-pace
In 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed 225 executive orders (EO 14147–14371), a record pace, focusing on immigration, energy, deregulation, and cultural issues. Significant actions included mass revocations of prior Biden-era orders (Jan 20), border security measures, withdrawal from the WHO, designation of cartels as terrorist groups, creation of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) for workforce cuts, ending DEI programs, rescheduling marijuana to Schedule III for medical research (Dec 18), and designating Antifa a domestic terrorist organization (Sep 22). Other key orders promoted American energy dominance, AI leadership, space superiority, and protections against perceived threats. Many faced legal challenges but advanced Trump’s “America First” agenda.
Author: Kienan Briscoe
