Has Trump Achieved a Lot Less Than It Seems? - The Ezra Klein Show Recap

Podcast: The Ezra Klein Show

Published: 2026-01-16

Duration: 1 hr 1 min

Guests: Yuval Levin

Summary

Despite the appearance of many changes under Trump's second term, Yuval Levin argues that substantial legislative and regulatory accomplishments are minimal. The administration's efforts have largely been characterized by individual deal-making rather than comprehensive policy shifts.

What Happened

Yuval Levin, a respected conservative thinker and director at the American Enterprise Institute, argues that President Trump's second term has been less impactful than it appears. Levin notes that Trump has signed fewer pieces of legislation than any modern president, and the pace of regulatory action is slower compared to his predecessors. This limited legislative activity means that federal spending in 2025 remains at levels set by the previous administration under Joe Biden, with only minor adjustments such as changes to NIH funding.

The Trump administration's preference for retail deal-making over wholesale policymaking has created an impression of activity without significant governance. This approach often results in individual deals driving change rather than comprehensive policies that alter the country's trajectory. While there have been some meaningful policy changes in areas like tariffs and immigration, these are exceptions rather than the norm.

Levin points to Stephen Miller as a key figure in shaping Trump's policies, describing him as the most powerful policy staffer in the modern White House. Despite this influence, the administration lacks traditional internal debates and decision-making processes, leading to a directionally autocratic view. Some members of the administration aim to transform the constitutional system consciously, but these efforts have not resulted in broad policy changes.

The administration's actions have led to cultural shifts within the federal bureaucracy, affecting long-term attitudes and practices. However, these changes are more about altering the internal climate rather than creating lasting policy impacts. The administration's unpopular actions, such as employing masked agents on the street, have further contributed to a decrease in support, with the president's coalition shrinking from 49% to 40% of the electorate.

Levin highlights the administration's poor record in federal court, having lost 57% of the cases decided against it. This legal track record indicates a lack of robust policymaking and legal strategy. Furthermore, the administration has faced resistance from the Senate, with numerous presidential nominations withdrawn, complicating efforts to fill key positions.

The episode also touches on the generational shift within the conservative movement, with younger conservatives shaped by politics under Trump. These younger voices tend to have a harder-edged, less constitutional focus, signifying a potential long-term shift in the political landscape.

Key Insights