Here's how you feel about Trump's 1st wave of executive orders: Pulse

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Pulse is a recurring column where we ask for readers’ takes on varying topics in a weekly survey and report back with our findings.

As President Trump took office and set out to make a major impact during his first 100 days, he leaned into a host of policies that impact the housing market, whether directly or indirectly.

Tariffs that impact lumber and gypsum from Canada and Mexico, a funding freeze that’s still pending, firings and the shuttering of government programs — the administration appears to have adopted the motto of Friend of Trump Mark Zuckerberg: Move fast, and break things.

As we continue to follow the twists and turns of the news cycle, we wanted to know how you feel about President Trump’s first wave of executive orders. Do you feel they are a long-needed correction for previous policies?

Are you worried about their overall economic impact? Do you think they’ll have their intended effect or make the current industry slowdown and housing inventory crunch even worse? Here’s what you had to say:

‘Nothing but chaos’

• He is a lawless criminal out to subvert our democracy
• Executive orders do not overcome or void laws passed by Congress and signed into law by POTUS. Funding of federal agencies and programs can only be altered by an act of Congress, not some kind of selective, back-door line-item veto. These orders will be overturned as illegal and unconstitutional, even by this SCOTUS.
• Trump’s first two weeks have been nothing but chaos. He is rejecting democracy, creating havoc, acting illegally by using Musk to overrule congressional orders and has been a disgrace to our allies in Mexico and Canada. Congress hasn’t had the courage to stand up to him either, which is disgusting. Higher inflation and unemployment and stagflation are inevitable based on his tariffs and decimation of the federal government. I’m sure if you were a federal employee, you are regretting your vote for him. Plus, he releases 1,200 convicted rioters and forces out FBI agents doing their job! He’s a convicted felon and sexual predator so what did we expect?
• It has been unnecessary chaos. It has nothing to help American consumers, if anything it has contributed to higher costs of some items. It has added volatility to the stock market and impacts the average American’s sense of financial well-being.
• I am concerned that the volatility and chaos will destabilize markets and impact interest rates. Many of these executive orders, and the actions of the “DOGE” team will test the rule of law. Without the rule of law, the real estate market becomes extremely risky.
• All the Racists that voted for him must be elated. He has created nothing but a shit-ton of government lawsuits, and nearly crashed the stock market with the ridiculous notion that xenophobic tariffs would help anything at all — he refuses to have educated experts around him (such as an actual economist that would advise against such nonsense immediately), and surrounds himself with “loyalist” yes-men that help feed the bloated ego. Shameless catering to the uneducated religious right zealots who voted him in, and like to wave confederate flags and wear MAGA hats. Our economy was getting back on track, after the extravagant spending (most ever, of any president) that he led in his last presidency of escalating our national debt more than anyone ever in history. After his firing of anyone who is in a role of watching the fox in the government henhouse, I am not sure who is now actually looking out for the U.S. citizens. Has all our personal data been siphoned off to DOGE private citizen Musk so he can now enrich his government-money-sucking empire? The last thing this “president” cares about is the middle class, public education, or any economic progress (unless his dumb move of launching tariffs has an immediate tanking effect of markets — oh, rescind that one immediately now!). Totally disgusted with the idiot bully who was somehow voted in. Guess we will have the worst president ever, killing any possibility of the American Dream coming back. Hopefully the damage isn’t as incredible as I fear.
• It is ridiculous the orders he is concerned with and not the true issues at hand. Chaos and disorganization is all it has accomplished
• I’m appalled and outraged
• They are abhorrent and a blatant violation of the Constitution of the United States of America. We should all be speaking out against them as often as we can
• Ridiculous
• His policies are destroying democracy and threatening our national security
• It has disturbed our real estate market tremendously; people are too nervous to make moves unless it is absolutely necessary. It is an enormous amount of chaos designed to disempower ordinary people and empower those already with position and wealth
• Irresponsible and not well thought out
• His disruption is creating uncertanty — and universal uncertainty is not good for the real estate business
• They’re a chaotic mess demonstrating he has no real grasp on how to manage the economy or how to help the American public — unless you’re one of his wealthy friends. He’s a joke
• Unlawful, unconstitutional and doomed to fail, but not before they create more chaos and damage to the U.S. economy and innocent people
• Too much too soon. It’s the Trump chaos factor. There may be some good outcomes but governmental chaos doesn’t usually end well for the general public.
• They’re awful. Chaos is not a useful economic move
• It’s a dumpster fire, which is exactly what is needed to rein in the incredible government overreach which has occurred since the 1930s
• Nothing wrong with shaking things up and cutting waste, however, must question the wisdom of placing someone who was never elected or confirmed to such a powerful position to run amuck, breaking things without evaluating the impact beyond the next 10 minutes in the future.

‘Long overdue. We need changes’

• Thrilled! It’s great to finally see action with a President who has a pulse.
• Doing a great job!
• It’s awesome. And Mark Zuckerberg isn’t friends with Trump
• Long overdue. We need changes
• Excellent moves
• Energized and excited
• Love it!!! Keep them coming!!
• Awesome!!!! Stop trying to make trouble
• Like a breath of fresh air has entered the country. Long overdue!
• Great! Who knew we needed Donald Trump to save America? Maybe I can use the term “Jack & Jill bath” without fear of being put to death.
• I think it is great! Necessary for the security of our nation and the prosperity of our country
• I believe it corrects a lot of policy issues from the previous administration that harmed people
• Love it!
• Like them so far! No issues with anything he’s done
• Optimistic!
• I like them … We are a country founded on the Rule of Law
• Very excited. All in the right direction
• He is doing a good job. He is actually working and putting the right people on the right tasks
• He’s off to a great start overall
• I fully understand and support the actions of President Trump. The mainstream media continues to mischaracterize his actions. Nothing has changed from the media perspective
• The executive orders are a long time coming
• Like exiting an exhilarating amusement park ride: still excited, while a bit nauseous
• 100 percent support
• Positive
• I feel confident in the decisions President Trump is making. It feels like we are using common sense again
• Long-needed correction!
• Pretty good!
• Very satisfied
• Happy
• I fully understand and support the actions of President Trump.
• DEI is and always has been a flawed policy. You reward people not because of skin color or sexual orientation or for being liberal or conservative but because they merit the job as demonstrated by their work ethic and determination. This way everyone is treated the same. If you want to succeed do the hard work whatever that may be … study smart and get good grades, perform in your current job as if you were the owner of the company. Even if you don’t get paid a lot you can still be proud of your effort and will be surprised at the opportunities that come your way.

‘Everything he does is to satisfy his own ego’

• This person is NOT qualified for the office of the presidency. his only reason for running was to stay out of prison and retribution. He has nothing to offer otherwise. He is a disgrace to the office and to this country. As a Realtor, if I were to commit one felony, I need to report it within 24 to 48 hours and my license would be revoked or suspended. He was found guilty of 34 and is able to run for the office of the presidency. His actions, so far is a clear testament to what he really intends to accomplish. And all he really cares about is one person, and that person is him. Period.
• Mad at NAR for helping fund a second term of brainless “leadership”
• All negative
• They are reckless. Audits of departments are definitely something to be done, though how it is being done is totally inappropriate. [Elon] Musk may have been somewhat vetted in dealing with NASA (SpaceX), but his staff assisting, have they been vetted? Who allows control of the U.S. payment system? RECKLESS
• Appalled
• Terrified and depressed
• He is like an angry child trying to break a new toy
• Horrible
• They are absolutely horrific
• Frightened
• He’s a joke

‘The right direction. All will take time’

• I am so relieved! The swiftness and seriousness of how this addresses the silly agenda and wasteful spending of the federal government is refreshing! I am walking on air
• Donald Trump was elected to be a change agent. He is doing just that. For too long our government has just become a bloated bureaucracy. Although serious, the overreaction and fake overreactions by some who have called for governmental oversight and control in the past have been funny.
• Everything he is doing is excellent. It’s great to finally have a leader again and someone that cares about the country. The tariffs are a negotiating tactic to get the other countries to get in line. The executive orders have been necessary to get control of the country again and start to turn things around. America will finally have a chance again!
• I say give them some time. I agree with most of them and am willing to see how some of the others turn out
• I think they are necessary. I think we will all feel the pinch initially, but it will subside. We elected him to do the hard work and make the hard decisions. One thing you can say about President Trump, no matter your political affiliation, he is and always will be a great businessman. It also doesn’t hurt that real estate has been the foundation for his wealth
• I am glad he has put a temporary [freeze] on government spending until he has a chance to review what they are spending it on. We have a whole lot of wasteful spending. I am confident they will get a lot of that under control. I also believe we shouldn’t have free housing vouchers. People should have to learn to work for what they get. They are killing the working Americans trying to take care of all of the lazy, drugged-up non-working Americans. I do believe in helping flow a temporary basis. I think we have too many people living for free because they drink, do drugs or have anxiety. I am confident our government will be working on those issues.
• I am excited about his strategic plan for the U.S. based on his immigration stance, reducing U.S. debt and expenditures that have gone unchecked for decades putting us $38 trillion in debt. Heavy handing tariffs to get better terms and agreements isn’t a common political tool but used by this new administration 2.0 to right the ship. Will every policy be perfect? No. Will everyone love all? We know better — no. Is his vision for the U.S. proactively better for future generations? Yes. Two weeks in at full throttle, let’s see what can get done.
• No issues with anything he’s done
• All in the right direction

‘I disagree with all of Trump’s executive orders on DEI’

• I think he is crazy. The amount of time and fanfare spent on eliminating DEI is ridiculous! His trade wars are going to end up hurting the economy.
• I think they are a bunch of bullshit, to be frank. I’m a Realtor and am disgusted by all of the EOs targeting the most vulnerable populations in our nation and beyond. Between deportations of innocent people, attacks on transgender children and adults, responding healthcare for the poor, demonizing DEI, along with the treasonous coup and ending aid to the poorest around the globe, I’m disappointed and infuriated by those who are sitting back and watching our country be taken over by fascism. Not to mention the declarations of seizing other countries. He will start a third World War and seems like Congress and his fan base aren’t concerned.
• Very nervous and worried about the effect on market and community of LGBTQ
• Unacceptable, racist, hateful agenda only for Christian white males. America feels over. No more “we the people”

Economic ‘volatility and chaos’

• They will have a negative effect on the economy. His orders only satisfy his need for attention or revenge.
• Most are unlawful onslaughts against the Constitution and the norms of democracy, tariffs will raise prices on lumber and other building materials, not to mention cost of living in general; his chaos in D.C. is destabilizing the housing market; and his massive deportation program will add to the cost of everything.
• No plan just crash and burn. Will hurt the economy, and won’t make people confident to invest in real estate
• As a Realtor in Oklahoma, I understand how much our economy — and our livelihoods — depend on stability and predictability. Homebuyers, investors and businesses need confidence in the market, not uncertainty caused by knee-jerk policy shifts. That’s why President Trump’s flood of executive orders, without meaningful checks and balances, is deeply concerning. When major policy changes happen unilaterally, rather than through legislation, we get market volatility, fluctuating mortgage rates, and hesitation from both buyers and investors. In a state like Oklahoma, where homeownership and small businesses are key economic drivers, we can’t afford that kind of instability. What’s just as concerning is the silence from Congress — particularly from Republicans who refuse to push back, not because they necessarily agree, but because they fear political consequences. That’s not leadership; it’s self-preservation at the expense of economic stability. Regardless of which party is in power — governing by decree instead of a real legislative process is a problem. The economy works best when policies are debated, vetted and built to last. In real estate and every other industry that depends on market confidence, we should all be paying attention.
• Absolutely horrible for real estate and consumers in general. Will destroy any version of a middle class
• The tariffs (if they happen) and all of the cutting will likely crash the economy in ways we haven’t seen since the Great Depression
• I think his first wave of executive orders have been all about his ego and have done very little to actually help the American public. The inventory shortage we are experiencing now is a direct result of his 2018 tariffs (aluminum, steel, and lumber), and he seeks to cripple the homebuilding industry and with that the ability for the average worker to purchase a home. He is a deplorable, despicable and disgusting human being and I remain absolutely stunned that he won the election. What does this say about us? We Americans are more concerned with what bathroom people are using than basic human decency.
• Immigration policies may have unintended negative effects on new construction and home repairs at a time when the housing supply is already low. High interest rates don’t seem to be on Trump’s radar and that’s frustrating. Tariffs may add thousands to already high new construction prices. It’s still early but I wish his policies were more focused and concrete.

‘We are bullying our allies’

• The executive orders have brought about some positive change, but they have also shown that there is no one in his administration that is going to tell him what he needs to hear. Shutting the USAID will results in the deaths of million of poor people around the world who rely on our aid for food and medicine to survive. We are bullying our allies and it is clear that this President is very transactional and cannot be trusted. His actions related to the Jan. 6 attack on Congress indicate that he truly doesn’t care about the rule of law if it is done by his supporters
• I hate everything this administration is doing. Everything. Get Elon Musk away from government! Stop the Nazi crap! Trump will destroy the economy and end homeownership as we know it. Only investors and the rich will be able to own property. We will be ruled by oligarchs and Nazis. The world hates us except for Putin and his ilk. I have never been so depressed and so disillusioned. The country is awash in discrimination and hate, and I blame it all on Trump and the current Republican party.
• It’s hard to choose the “top 10” horrific Executive Orders to complain about among all the intentional chaos and disruption. I understand his voters wanted President Trump to shake things up. I hope we can agree that we can’t allow the illegal orders he has issued that interfere with the “full faith and credit of the United States Government” to stand. Funding that was appropriately authorized by our previous and more functional Congress cannot be “turned off” at the whim of any president. Firing non-political career civil servants who run our programs, firing non-political military leaders, firing historically independent FBI and Department of Justice employees, and seeking to replace these knowledgeable employees with his own inexperienced and unqualified but certainly loyal and most certainly “political” appointees is despotic. It is precisely what so much of the hateful and false campaign rhetoric said was “wrong” with our nation. Installing sycophants doesn’t serve us. Giving notice to exit the Paris Climate Accords and the World Health Organization, and halting lifesaving USAid programs mid-delivery are all irresponsible actions. Yes, we want other nations to pay their fair share for these programs, and to lessen reliance on U.S. funding. The lack of skill in the execution of preferred plans and carelessness about the very real consequences is staggering. Starting with the blanket unexamined pardons for people convicted of violence against others, followed by the “invitation to quit” with an unfunded promise of long-term ongoing pay, seeking to identify all government employees who worked on investigating and properly prosecuting crimes with probable cause: This is the stuff of dictators. I know, but he’s “our” crazy guy who can negotiate a good deal! Really? We are not a private resort development opportunity. Neither is Gaza. Our legal system will continue to be clogged with sorting out wrongs done by “DJ” Trump. We may disagree on policy or regulations, but we should all recognize that this is not normal or good leadership of our government.

‘I don’t feel anything’

• I don’t feel anything because his executive orders don’t affect the way I do business or live my life. As far as DEI is concerned, ditch it altogether. You want true diversity, equity and inclusion, without one side violating it or the other side weaponizing it, just follow the teachings of Jesus. It’s really that simple. Whether you believe him to be the Messiah or man, just love your neighbor as yourself. To feel possessed to take any action beyond that is to negate his teachings and assume that we, as flawed and broken humans, have the answer. The answer was given to us 2,000 years ago, but we’re too self-absorbed to admit it.

‘I fear for our democracy’

• Treasonous
• Trump is an infant narcissistic wannabe dictator. Everything he does is to satisfy his own ego, make himself rich(er), or exact revenge on everybody and anybody who has wronged him or he thinks will wrong him. His policies have already dangerously divided our country and will likely have a ruinous effect on our economy.
• He is a criminal
• Authoritarian
• Disheartening. It appears that if you don’t agree with him on all levels you are removed. Getting rid of FBI agents that were doing their job just seems wrong. Making immigrants criminals and submitting them to living in fear and terror seems wrong — those that have committed crimes, OK, but others, especially those here from the “dreamers” program — it’s not right. Also, if you are born in the USA you have automatic citizenship should remain; it’s such a privilege given by the Constitution.
• He is doing what his supporters want him to do. They knew he couldn’t lower prices. To a non-Trump supporter, it looks cruel and as a foreign national can control the U.S. treasury payment system. We can see that having three branches of goverment isn’t enough and that a president can become a dictator on Day One and beyond. This might be OK with Trump supporters, but the rest of us would rather go back to a more democratic form of government.

Editor’s note: These responses were given anonymously and, therefore, are not attributed to anyone specifically. Responses were also edited for grammar and clarity. Inman doesn’t endorse any specific method and regulations may vary from state to state.

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