The United States is confronting a convergence of crises, from election security concerns to disease outbreaks and environmental vulnerabilities.
Critics argue the Trump administration has actively hampered the federal government's ability to respond—and in some cases, worsened the problems.
>>> Italy's Free Beach Campaigners Battle Mafia, Military, and Private Lidos
Over the past year, the administration has reduced the federal workforce, rolled back climate protections, cut scientific research funding, and pushed legislation that could restrict voting.
This week, President Trump delivered a speech questioning U. S.
election integrity, while last week he appointed a climate science skeptic to oversee the government's key climate change report.
Election security under fire
Trump's downsizing efforts have hit agencies tasked with protecting elections.
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency lost a third of its workforce due to staffing cuts, according to Democratic Senator Mark Warner.
The administration also proposed a $707 million budget cut for the agency, citing concerns over “weaponization and waste.”
Earlier this month, Trump removed the last three commissioners from an independent federal commission that helps states with election administration.
Other agencies tracking foreign election interference have also faced cuts: the FBI has lost up to 2,800 agents since January 2025, and the acting director of national intelligence fired dozens of staff members.
On his first day back in office, Trump pardoned about 1,500 people convicted or charged for the January 6 insurrection.
He has also spread conspiracy theories sympathetic to Tina Peters, a Colorado election clerk convicted of breaching election security.
