Here’s what’s going on in the world of American politics as a result of Donald Trump’s presidency (as of March 17):

The American Health Care Act (AHCA)

In 2009, when former president Barack Obama rolled out the Affordable Care Act, the Republican response was visceral. For conservatives, the idea of federally regulated health care has long been a sore spot; they have wanted to repeal the act ever since. Trump ran on the platform of “repeal and replace,” saying that he will ensure that when Congress repeals Obamacare, there will be a substitute in place. On Monday, March 6, Speaker of the House Paul Ryan laid out the new plan for American healthcare. Essentially, the plan allocates money to be given to people for healthcare based on both income and age, whereas Obamacare focused solely on income. Democrats hate the bill because many experts agree that it will restrict healthcare for many lower-income people. In addition, it is going to prevent medicaid money going to Planned Parenthood. Republicans are against the plan because it holds too much likeness to the Affordable Care Act. All major medical associations have denounced the plan, saying many people will lose health insurance this way. Two House committees have passed the bill, which has been nicknamed Trumpcare, and it has to go through one more before it goes to the House floor to be voted on.

Immigration Part II

When Trump issued his first immigration ban, it was met with anger and resistance from thousands of Americans, and was blocked by federal judges. The new plan remedies a few key features. For one, the ban is not immediate–it will go into effect on March 16. From the list of seven countries banned from coming to the United States, Iraq has been removed. The new bill also provides details about why the remaining six countries are barred entrance. Syrian refugees are restricted only temporarily, non Muslim-refugees will no longer be favored over Muslim refugees. Also, current visa holders and those who have already been granted asylum will not be affected any more, and will be allowed. It’s certainly not a perfect executive order for those who lean left.

Scandals: Cabinet Mishaps and Russian Interference

The ties between the Trump administration and Russia are becoming more and more prevalent as his presidency continues. It began when it became clear that the Democratic National Committee was hacked, showing that Hillary Clinton was favored over Bernie Sanders in the primaries. Then Russia came up again when the only thing the Republican Party cared about during the election was that a clause that the Ukraine should get arms support in a conflict with Russia was struck down. Later, Paul Manafort, the previous campaign manager for Trump, resigned because of possible ties to Russia dating to the spring of 2016. Originally, several Trump associates denied contact with Russia. This included former national security advisor Michael Flynn, who was forced to resign because of this, and attorney general Jeff Sessions, who has had to recuse himself from the Russia inquiry over it. All of this leads to the strong implication that several members of the Trump administration have significant ties to Russia–and that they may continue to push for Russian interests over stances that the country has typically taken.

Trump has accused the Obama administration of wire-tapping his phone calls. Before leaving office, the administration had lowered the security clearance on a lot of this information, arguably to ensure that the stories got out–and that the Trump administration did not snuff it out.

There will likely be a Congressional inquiry into ties with Russia, and some Democrats are pushing for an independent inquiry.  

Some Unusual Executive Moves

Trump, goaded by conservative journalists, dismissed, and in some cases forced out, all federal prosecutors that were appointed by Obama, 43 in total. Most notably was Preet Bharara of Manhattan who refused to step down.

Diplomacy has always been an important part of the US arsenal, but this administration wants a ten percent increase in the military budget and a thirty percent reduction in the state department.

The administration has been very slow in the appointment process; there are approximately 4,000 appointed positions still to fill.  Most administrations have filled most of these positions by 50 days into the presidency.

Somewhat Positive News

The stock market surge has added more than $2 trillion to national wealth (ten percent); this was happening under Obama, but Trump is getting credit. To top it off, Friday’s strong jobs report and firm wage growth for February add to the happy sense that growth is accelerating.