• CNN’s Harry Enten calls Donald Trump the most influential president of the 21st century due to his aggressive trade and immigration policies.
• Tariffs have surged to the highest levels since the 1930s, with new hikes on Canadian goods and changes aimed at reducing U.S. trade deficits.
• Net migration to the U.S. is expected to drop by over 60%, possibly turning negative for the first time in 50 years under Trump’s strict immigration stance.

Donald Trump’s second-term agenda is already making waves, and according to CNN’s top data analyst, it’s rewriting the rules of American politics and policy. With sweeping new tariffs and a dramatic drop in migration, Trump’s return to the spotlight is shaping the country in ways not seen in decades.

CNN’s Harry Enten didn’t mince words on Saturday. The data-driven political commentator described Trump as “the most influential president of the 21st century”—not because of popularity or party politics, but because of the sheer scale of the changes he’s imposing on America’s economic and social landscape.

Tariffs Surge to Historic Highs as Trump Targets Canada

At the heart of Trump’s latest push is trade. His administration just announced that tariffs on Canadian goods will rise from 25% to a steep 35%, starting Friday. The reason? The White House claims that Canada hasn’t done enough to curb the flow of fentanyl and other illegal drugs into the United States.

In a pointed move, Trump signed an executive order on Thursday demanding accountability from America’s northern neighbor. The message from Washington is clear: trade benefits come with expectations—and consequences.

He also signed a second order the same day, adjusting the tariff structure for several other countries. The goal, according to the administration, is to tackle persistent trade deficits and “level the playing field.” It’s a strategy steeped in Trump’s trademark message of economic nationalism.

These decisions, Enten explained, have led to a dramatic surge in effective tariff rates. “The highest since the 1930s,” he said, comparing today’s rate—around 18%—to just 2% a year ago. “That’s nine times higher,” he emphasized.

This seismic shift in trade policy hasn’t gone unnoticed. Supporters hail it as long-overdue action to defend American industries and workers. “He’s doing what Biden never had the guts to do,” one supporter wrote on social media. But critics warn the consequences could backfire—raising prices for U.S. consumers and sparking trade retaliation.

A Sharp Turn on Immigration Sparks Historic Decline in Migration

Trade isn’t the only battlefield where Trump is drawing a hard line. Enten also pointed to immigration, the second pillar of Trump’s policy agenda. And here, too, the impact is being felt.

According to Enten, net migration to the U.S. is expected to plunge by at least 60% by 2025. “We may even see negative net migration for the first time in half a century,” he said. In other words, more people could leave the U.S. than arrive—a reversal not seen since the Vietnam War era.

Just last year, net migration hit 2.8 million. Now, experts predict that number could fall to zero or even dip into the negative for the first time in modern memory.

For Trump, who campaigned on promises of stricter immigration controls, this represents a powerful fulfillment of his vision. His administration is cracking down on visa programs, imposing harsher border restrictions, and ramping up deportations.

Again, reactions are polarized. Conservatives argue that reduced immigration is necessary to protect American jobs and ease strain on public services. “It’s about time we put Americans first,” said one commenter on X (formerly Twitter).

But immigration advocates are sounding alarms. “This isn’t just policy—it’s a war on people’s hopes,” said an attorney working with immigrant families. “Negative net migration means we’ve made this country so unwelcoming, people are giving up on the American dream.”

Enten’s Bold Claim Sparks Firestorm

Enten’s declaration that Trump may be the most influential president in over 20 years has sparked fierce debate across political circles and media outlets. Critics accused the CNN analyst of legitimizing a divisive leader. But Enten stood firm, saying his assessment is based on hard data, not political spin.

“He’s doing exactly what he said he would do,” Enten said. “You can agree or disagree with the direction, but you can’t deny the scale of the impact.”

Political analysts have been quick to weigh in. Some agree that Trump’s policy shifts—especially on tariffs and immigration—have been more radical and far-reaching than anything seen under Bush, Obama, or Biden.

Others argue that influence isn’t only measured by disruption. “Let’s not confuse ‘influence’ with ‘destruction,’” one MSNBC panelist fired back during a weekend roundtable.

But even critics admit the numbers tell a powerful story. On trade, Trump has reignited a protectionist streak that had been dormant for decades. On immigration, he’s turning back the clock to a time when the U.S. closed its doors to the world.

What It Means for Americans

The average American may not be watching tariff charts or migration graphs, but the effects of these changes are creeping into everyday life.

Importers are already warning that Trump’s new tariffs will drive up costs for items ranging from household goods to construction materials. “We’re bracing for a price spike,” said one supplier based in Ohio. “Consumers are going to feel this.”

Meanwhile, towns that once relied on new arrivals to fill jobs and keep schools open are beginning to worry about their future. “We’ve already seen a slowdown in population growth,” said a mayor from a small Texas border town. “Now we’re talking about going in reverse.”

And on the global stage, America’s allies and rivals alike are adjusting their strategies. Canada has signaled it may retaliate with tariffs of its own, while China has warned that trade tensions could escalate.

The Bigger Picture

Trump’s America looks very different from the one that came before. Whether you see him as a disruptor, a reformer, or something in between, there’s no question that his fingerprints are all over the nation’s direction right now.

With tariffs soaring and immigration plummeting, Trump is carving out a legacy defined not by unity, but by transformation. And if Enten is right, he may go down in history not just as a president—but as the one who reshaped the country’s path more than any other leader in decades.

As 2025 heats up, the ripple effects of Trump’s policies will continue to unfold—and the country will be watching closely. For supporters, it’s a long-awaited course correction. For opponents, it’s a warning of what’s to come. But for everyone, it’s a reminder that one man’s decisions can still shake the foundations of a nation.