Trump Report Card: Analysts Weigh In with Grades on Key Issues

As President Trump prepares to address Congress, political analysts are already grading his performance on major issues. Fox News Digital brought together Rob Bluey, president and executive editor of the Daily Signal, and Julian Epstein, a veteran Democratic operative, to share their assessments. And let’s just say—it’s a report card with a mix of gold stars and red ink.

Immigration:

Trump’s immigration policies earned enthusiastic "A" grades from both analysts. Rob Bluey highlighted the administration's success in reducing illegal border crossings, thanks to what he called "increased enforcement and the threat of deportation." Julian Epstein, a frequent critic of the right, surprisingly praised Trump as well, declaring that "promises made, promises kept" on immigration.

Foreign Policy:

Foreign policy grades were a bit less glowing, with both analysts landing on a "B." Bluey acknowledged Trump’s bold ambitions, such as ending the Russia-Ukraine war in 24 hours—a promise that’s proving elusive. He also commended Trump’s push to replicate the Abraham Accords but noted that ongoing hostage crises and tense diplomacy remain hurdles. Epstein didn’t hold back, calling the recent Zelenskyy press conference debacle "a global-stage misstep," but he gave Trump credit for playing, as he put it, "three-dimensional chess" compared to Biden’s "checkers." Ouch.

Culture Wars (DEI and Trans Issues):

Here, Trump earned his highest marks, with Bluey awarding an "A+" for decisive actions like banning DEI initiatives in federal agencies and prohibiting men from competing in women’s sports. Epstein also gave an "A," pointing out that the public is firmly behind Trump on these culturally charged issues. Who knew bipartisan agreement was possible in 2025?

Government Spending (DOGE):

Trump’s partnership with Elon Musk on the DOGE (Deficit Optimization and Government Efficiency) initiative was another highlight. Bluey praised the team’s early success in identifying $65 billion in savings, calling Musk’s efforts "gutsy and much-needed." Epstein, while supportive, offered a cautionary "B+" grade, warning against hasty cuts that could impact critical programs like cancer research. A trillion-dollar goal might sound great, but let’s not throw out the baby with the bathwater.

Economy:

The economy brought mixed reviews, as both analysts handed Trump "B" grades. Bluey pointed to inflation as a tough nut to crack, blaming Biden’s prior spending spree but acknowledging that voters expect Trump to deliver relief. Epstein was less forgiving, saying that while Biden "back shelved inflation," Trump hasn’t done much yet to tackle it. The egg price spike from the ongoing bird flu outbreak? Definitely not helping.

As Trump gears up for his Congressional address, one thing is clear: his report card highlights both significant achievements and areas where the jury is still out. Will he use this speech to double down on his successes or tackle those lingering challenges? Either way, the nation will be watching—and grading.