In the first 100 days of his presidency, Donald Trump exerted unprecedented power, targeting the frameworks of the New Deal and the Great Society. His actions extended beyond these historical precedents, challenging the long-standing tenets of Reagan-era Republicanism regarding free trade and international alliances, aiming to reshape the government’s role in American life and reposition the U.S. in global affairs.
Trump’s administration employed Elon Musk to assist in dismantling the federal workforce, adopting a strategy that left many uncertain if cuts were excessive. His unilateral decisions have included redefining alliances established post-World War II, leading to global market reactions and concerns. Furthermore, he has taken controversial action against immigrants, relocating them to a facility in El Salvador without judicial oversight.
In terms of economic policy, Trump has aggressively attempted to steer the U.S. economy through executive mandates rather than working with a Republican-held Congress. His imposition of tariffs on major trade partners like Mexico and Canada, as well as imposing heavy tariffs on Chinese goods, has sparked fears of economic instability. Despite claiming these tariffs would be beneficial in the long run, consumer confidence has declined, stock markets have reacted negatively, and fears of an impending recession have increased, contradicting his promises of economic prosperity.
In immigration policy, Trump has adhered to a hardline agenda, implementing measures that are among the strictest in U.S. history. Utilizing the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 for deportations without due process, Trump has sent alleged gang members to El Salvador and invoked military resources on the U.S.-Mexico border. However, some promises, such as mass deportations, have not materialized as initially expected.
Trump has not shied away from retribution, targeting individuals and legal firms associated with previous investigations against him. His administration has taken steps to punish those perceived as opponents, including former intelligence officials and the law firms that represented them, creating an environment of fear and intimidation. Additionally, the actions against top universities regarding funding and support illustrate his commitment to retribution against perceived adversaries.
Regarding international relations, Trump has consistently undermined established global alliances, prompting concerns among allies in Europe, Canada, Japan, and South Korea about their reliance on the United States. His administration's approach has led to a disconnect with long-standing partners, as efforts to redefine diplomatic ties and policies continue to reshape American foreign relations.
The Trump administration has demonstrated a pattern of issuing executive orders at an unprecedented rate, bypassing Congress in substantial ways, impacting various sectors including education, public health, and the military. For instance, the Department of Education has faced shutdowns, while public health initiatives have seen significant job cuts and reduced funding. These actions have led to unrest among professionals within affected fields, raising concerns about the country’s trajectory.
Publicly, the military has undergone major leadership changes, with Trump’s claims of a “woke” military prompting decisions to eliminate certain diversity programs and enforce controversial standards. Meanwhile, Trump’s energy policies favor traditional fossil fuels over alternative energy sources, which has drawn ire from environmental advocates.
Furthermore, the administration’s stance towards the arts and media has shifted, with funding cuts and aggressive actions against media outlets perceived as hostile. This has fueled debates about the future of journalism under Trump’s presidency, reflecting an overall climate of conflict between the executive branch and independent media.
As Trump continues to fulfill his agenda, the initial 100 days have highlighted a dramatic shift in U.S. politics, with ramifications expected to reverberate through various sectors for the duration of his presidency.
