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🧸us history – 1945 to present review

Trump Administration

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

The Trump Administration refers to the period of Donald Trump's presidency from January 20, 2017, to January 20, 2021. During this time, the administration focused on several key issues, including economic policy, immigration reform, and healthcare, particularly regarding the Affordable Care Act, as it sought to repeal and replace this landmark legislation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. The Trump Administration attempted to repeal the Affordable Care Act through various legislative efforts, including the American Health Care Act, but faced significant opposition in Congress.
  2. In December 2017, Congress passed a major tax reform bill that included provisions aimed at reducing healthcare costs, impacting funding for programs under the Affordable Care Act.
  3. The administration implemented policies that sought to reduce enrollment in ACA marketplaces, including cutting funding for advertising and outreach efforts.
  4. Trump's Department of Justice supported a court case that aimed to invalidate the entire Affordable Care Act in 2020, though the Supreme Court ultimately upheld the ACA.
  5. Healthcare was a pivotal issue during the 2020 presidential election, with the Trump Administration's stance on the ACA being a major point of contention against Joe Biden's campaign.

Review Questions

  • How did the Trump Administration's approach to healthcare reform differ from that of previous administrations?
    • The Trump Administration's approach to healthcare reform focused heavily on repealing the Affordable Care Act rather than building upon it. Unlike previous administrations that sought to expand access and coverage, Trump's administration aimed to dismantle key provisions of the ACA, including individual mandates and Medicaid expansion. This marked a significant shift in U.S. healthcare policy as it emphasized reducing federal involvement and encouraging market-based solutions.
  • Evaluate the impact of executive actions taken by the Trump Administration on healthcare access and affordability during his presidency.
    • The executive actions taken by the Trump Administration significantly affected healthcare access and affordability by attempting to undermine the Affordable Care Act. By reducing funding for enrollment outreach and supporting legal challenges against the ACA, these actions contributed to decreased enrollment in health insurance marketplaces. Additionally, policies aimed at expanding short-term plans often left consumers with less comprehensive coverage options, thereby increasing out-of-pocket expenses for many individuals.
  • Assess how the outcomes of the Trump Administration's healthcare policies influenced public opinion leading up to the 2020 election.
    • The outcomes of the Trump Administration's healthcare policies had a profound influence on public opinion leading up to the 2020 election. Many Americans expressed concerns about losing their health insurance coverage and increased costs associated with medical care due to efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act. This sentiment fueled voter mobilization among those who favored preserving and expanding healthcare access, making healthcare a central issue in Biden's campaign as he promised to strengthen and expand upon existing protections instead of rolling them back.