By: Fern Sidman

CNN has described President Donald J. Trump—currently in his second term—as “the most influential president of this century,” citing dramatic and historic changes in U.S. policy on trade, immigration, and executive authority. The declaration, which aired during a prime-time segment this week, drew national attention and underscored the scope of the administration’s impact since Trump returned to the White House in 2025.

According to CNN, Trump’s imprint on the country is “tremendously influential to a historic degree,” with one analyst stating, “Trump is remaking the United States of America. Love it, like it, or lump it—he has been tremendously influential.” The network’s assessment was notable given its long history of criticism toward the president, a point emphasized in a report at VIN News, which observed that even skeptics are now acknowledging the sweeping reach of Trump’s domestic and foreign policies.

Central to CNN’s analysis was Trump’s aggressive trade policy, which has reshaped U.S. relations with major global economies. The network noted that the effective tariff rate in the United States has surged to 18%—the highest level since the 1930s. Just one year ago, in 2024, the rate stood at 2%.

The shift represents a fundamental reordering of global trade priorities. “No TACO for Trump,” one CNN analyst remarked, referring to the administration’s unapologetically hardline stance on tariff agreements and cross-border trade concessions.

VIN News has reported on the administration’s trade maneuvers, pointing out that the steep increase in tariffs is being used as both a negotiating tool and a shield for American industries. While critics argue that the policy risks higher consumer prices and retaliatory measures, supporters insist it is restoring leverage to American manufacturers and workers.

Another cornerstone of Trump’s second-term agenda has been immigration. CNN highlighted the administration’s unprecedented success in restricting migration into the United States, with net migration projected to decline by 60% this year.

In practical terms, that means the U.S. is on track to experience negative net migration for the first time in five decades. The decline is stark compared with 2024, when 2.8 million immigrants entered the country.

The report at VIN News noted that Trump’s immigration policies have included expanded deportation operations, tightened asylum protocols, and new restrictions on student and work visas. Together, these measures have reshaped the demographic trajectory of the nation. For the president’s supporters, the numbers represent a promise kept. For detractors, they symbolize an erosion of America’s traditional role as a beacon for immigrants.

The pace of executive action under Trump has also set him apart from his predecessors. CNN reported that the president has already signed 180 executive orders in 2025—surpassing the tally of any U.S. president since Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

By contrast, President Joe Biden signed 77 executive orders in his first full year in office. Trump’s reliance on executive authority reflects a governing style characterized by speed and boldness, but also by legal challenges and questions of constitutional scope.

The VIN News report stressed that the orders range widely, covering issues from border enforcement to deregulation of key industries. The outlet noted that while some orders face legal scrutiny, they nevertheless illustrate Trump’s determination to push his agenda forward rapidly, often bypassing Congress when legislative consensus proves elusive.

What made CNN’s characterization especially striking was its departure from the network’s historically adversarial stance toward Trump. Analysts on the program conceded that, regardless of whether Americans agree with the president’s policy goals, his ability to reshape the nation’s trajectory is unprecedented.

“I can’t think of a more influential president during this century,” one CNN analyst concluded. “And it starts here with tariffs.”

This acknowledgment underscores a reality long recognized by Trump’s allies: his presidency is not just another administration but a movement reshaping the fundamental levers of U.S. policy.

The recognition of Trump’s influence, however, does not erase the deep divisions that his policies continue to generate. Immigration advocates have warned of humanitarian crises tied to tightened border policies. Business groups have expressed alarm over tariff-related costs. Legal scholars remain divided over the expanding reliance on executive orders.

The report at VIN News noted that while Trump’s policies are polarizing, they reflect a consistency of vision. The president has repeatedly argued that his approach prioritizes American sovereignty, national security, and economic independence over global entanglements and ideological conformity.

As Trump’s second term moves deeper into 2025, analysts expect his influence to extend further into foreign policy, energy production, and judicial appointments. The administration’s posture toward China, Iran, and NATO is being closely watched, as are the implications of continued restrictions on migration and trade.

Trump’s assertive approach has left allies and adversaries recalibrating their expectations. In trade, global markets are adjusting to the reality of U.S. tariffs at levels unseen in nearly a century. In immigration, communities across the country are adapting to demographic shifts brought about by historically low inflows.

CNN’s declaration of Trump as “the most influential president of this century” serves as a recognition not only of his immediate policy impact but also of the longer-term reshaping of American governance. Whether his influence is viewed positively or negatively, few dispute its magnitude.