Trump dubbed the most impactful president of this century
CNN's data expert Harry Enten has dropped a bold claim that President Trump stands as the most influential commander-in-chief of this century. His assessment, grounded in hard numbers, points to sweeping changes already taking hold just months into Trump's second term.
According to the New York Post, Enten highlighted Trump's transformative policies on trade, immigration, and executive action as evidence of historic impact. The data paints a picture of a nation being remolded at a pace unseen in decades.
Enten declared, "Love it, like it, lump it, Trump's remaking the United States of America." But let's unpack that bravado; while some cheer this as a return to national strength, others worry it risks economic fallout and cultural division.
Trade Policies Redefine Global Relations
On tariffs, the numbers are staggering, with the average US rate on foreign goods spiking from 2% last year to around 18% now. This marks the highest level since the 1930s, a deliberate push to prioritize American industry.
Trump has long made overhauling trade a centerpiece of his agenda, and this aggressive stance is no surprise. Yet, while it aims to protect domestic jobs, the ripple effects on consumer prices and global partnerships remain a gamble worth watching.
Enten's praise for this shift as "historic" might ring true, but history also reminds us that trade wars can boomerang. The question is whether this shields our economy or isolates it in a world that thrives on connection.
Immigration Clampdown Alters Demographic Trends
Turning to immigration, Enten noted a sharp drop in net migration, down at least 60% from 2.8 million last year. He even suggested the US could see negative net migration in 2025, a first in over half a century.
"We may be dealing with negative net migration to the United States," Enten remarked, framing it as a seismic shift. But while tighter borders may appeal to those craving control, it sidesteps the labor shortages and innovation gaps that legal inflows often fill.
Trump's hawkish line, including a significant clampdown at the US-Mexico border and stricter enforcement, drives this trend. The data backs Enten's point on influence, though the long-term cost to a nation built on immigrant grit bears scrutiny.
Executive Power Sets New Precedents
Another pillar of Enten's argument is Trump's prolific use of executive orders, signing 180 in just half a year of his second term. This outpaces every president since Franklin D. Roosevelt, signaling a reliance on direct action over legislative gridlock.
Enten sees this as proof of unmatched sway, extending Trump's reach into the 20th century for comparison. Yet, such heavy-handed governance raises flags about bypassing checks and balances, a concern for anyone who values institutional stability.
This approach may deliver quick results, but it also sets a precedent for future leaders to wield unchecked power. The sheer volume of orders reflects determination, though it risks normalizing a system where dialogue takes a backseat.
A Legacy of Bold, Divisive Change
Enten's final contention is that Trump's influence might rival presidents from much of the last century, a claim rooted in these dramatic policy shifts. As one of only two leaders to serve nonconsecutive terms, alongside Grover Cleveland, Trump's return itself is a historic marker.
His tenure, barely half a year in, already shows a nation pivoting on tariffs, borders, and executive might. While Enten’s data-driven admiration holds weight, it’s hard to ignore the unease among those who see these moves as more disruptive than constructive.
In the end, whether you view Trump as a necessary disruptor or a reckless force, his imprint is undeniable. The numbers don’t lie, but they also don’t predict whether this remaking of America builds a stronger foundation or frays the edges of what holds us together.




