White House Implements Major Policy Changes as Year Ends

Introduction: The White House in Focus

The White House remains at the centre of American political life, serving as both the residence and principal workplace of the President of the United States. As 2025 draws to a close, the administration has announced several significant policy initiatives that affect millions of Americans, from federal employees to patients requiring prescription medications. Understanding these developments provides crucial insight into the government’s priorities and their impact on citizens’ daily lives.

Federal Holiday Announcements Benefit Government Workers

President Trump issued an executive order giving most federal employees two additional paid holidays in 2025, specifically Christmas Eve and the day after Christmas. All executive departments and agencies of the Federal Government were closed and their employees excused from duty on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, and Friday, December 26, 2025. This gesture demonstrates the administration’s recognition of the Christmas holiday period and provides federal workers with extended time for family celebrations.

Pharmaceutical Pricing Reforms Take Centre Stage

President Donald J. Trump announced nine new agreements with major pharmaceutical companies to lower prescription drug prices for Americans in line with the lowest prices paid by other developed nations, with manufacturers including Amgen, Bristol Myers Squibb, Boehringer Ingelheim, Genentech, Gilead Sciences, GSK, Merck, Novartis, and Sanofi. Since September 30, 2025, President Trump has announced 14 deals with major pharmaceutical manufacturers to bring prices in line with those paid in other developed nations, which will provide substantial price relief on numerous products taken by millions of Americans.

Congressional Relations and Executive Power

Frustrated lawmakers are looking to 2026 in the hopes that they can reclaim some of the power many fear they’ve ceded to the White House under President Trump, as the Trump administration unilaterally shuttered or drastically weakened federal agencies, implemented widespread tariffs, canceled congressionally approved spending and conducted military operations in the Caribbean. This tension between the executive and legislative branches highlights ongoing debates about the balance of power in American government.

Conclusion: Significance for the Public

These White House developments demonstrate the administration’s active approach to governance as the year concludes. The pharmaceutical pricing agreements could save billions in healthcare costs, whilst the federal holiday decision affects hundreds of thousands of government employees. However, concerns about executive power versus congressional authority suggest potential political battles ahead. As the midterm elections approach in 2026, these policy decisions and institutional tensions will likely shape public debate and influence voter sentiment. Citizens should monitor these developments closely, as they directly impact healthcare affordability, government operations, and the constitutional balance of power.