Chapter 1: Executive Power and Governance
President Donald Trump's return to the White House in 2025 marked a period of assertive executive action. Within his first 100 days, he signed approximately 142 executive orders, surpassing his predecessors and signaling a shift towards centralized executive authority. Notable among these was the establishment of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, aimed at streamlining federal operations and reducing bureaucracy.
Chapter 2: Immigration and Border Security
A cornerstone of Trump's early agenda was immigration reform. The administration reinstated strict border policies, including the Laken Riley Act, which mandates the detention of certain immigrants charged with crimes. These measures led to a significant decrease in illegal border crossings, fulfilling a key campaign promise.
Chapter 3: Economic Policies and Trade
Trump's economic strategy focused on protectionism and deregulation. He imposed a baseline 10% tariff on all imported goods, with higher rates on specific items like steel and aluminum. While these tariffs aimed to bolster domestic industries, they also contributed to market volatility and concerns over inflation.
Chapter 4: Social Policies and DEI Initiatives
The administration took decisive steps to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs across federal agencies. Executive orders were issued to terminate DEI-related initiatives, leading to the removal of related content from federal websites and the dismissal of employees associated with these programs.
Chapter 5: Foreign Policy and International Relations
Trump's foreign policy in his second term emphasized unilateral action and redefined alliances. The U.S. withdrew from the World Health Organization and the Paris Climate Accords, signaling a departure from multilateral commitments. Additionally, the administration's approach to the Russia-Ukraine conflict involved temporary suspension of aid to Ukraine and controversial demands for resource concessions.
Chapter 6: Public Opinion and Political Climate
Public response to Trump's early presidency was polarized. While supporters praised his swift action on campaign promises, critics expressed concern over the administration's authoritarian tendencies and policy decisions. Polls indicated a decline in approval ratings, with a plurality of Americans assigning a failing grade to his performance.
Chapter 7: Legislative Achievements and Challenges
Despite the flurry of executive orders, legislative progress was limited. Only a handful of bills were signed into law, including the Laken Riley Act and a stopgap funding measure to prevent a government shutdown. This reliance on executive action raised concerns about the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches.
Chapter 8: Ethical Considerations and Governance
The administration faced scrutiny over ethical standards and governance practices. Critics pointed to the appointment of loyalists over qualified personnel and the rollback of anti-corruption measures. These actions sparked debates about the erosion of democratic norms and the potential for conflicts of interest.
President Trump's first 100 days in his second term were marked by aggressive policy shifts and a reassertion of executive power. While achieving several campaign objectives, the administration's approach has also raised questions about governance, democratic principles, and America's role on the global stage. As the term progresses, the long-term implications of these early actions will continue to unfold.