The first hundred days of a U.S. presidency are traditionally considered a symbolic and strategic milestone for assessing the start of a government. In the case of Donald J. Trump, the 45th president of the United States, this period was surrounded by great expectation, controversy, and global attention. The hashtag #Trump100Days became a focal point on social media and in political debates to discuss the successes, failures, and directions taken by the new administration.
An Accelerated and Controversial Start
Since his inauguration on January 20, 2017, Trump began his administration with a series of executive orders aimed at fulfilling campaign promises. Among the most notable actions were the attempt to block the entry of citizens from predominantly Muslim countries, the beginning of the dismantling of Obamacare, the authorization for the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline, and the signaling of the United States' withdrawal from multilateral trade agreements, such as the TPP (Trans-Pacific Partnership).
These actions divided opinions and provoked intense political, judicial, and popular reactions. Mass protests, court decisions against his measures, and an environment of polarization marked the tone of the initial months.
Economy and Partially Fulfilled Promises
In the economic area, Trump focused on promising tax cuts, reducing bureaucracy, and encouraging domestic industry. The market reacted positively at times, reflecting optimism among investors, but there was still skepticism regarding the realization of deep reforms.
Although he managed to boost business confidence, many of his proposals depended on Congress, where he faced resistance — including within his own Republican Party. The attempt to repeal and replace Obamacare, for example, failed in its first attempt, revealing the difficulties of implementing his agenda.
Foreign Policy and Personal Style
In the field of foreign policy, Trump quickly broke with the diplomatic tradition of his predecessors. With a nationalist and unpredictable stance, he promoted verbal confrontations with allies and adversaries, as well as military attacks in Syria and Afghanistan. Relations with North Korea began to intensify during this period, increasing global tensions.
Beyond the policies themselves, Trump's direct and combative style, amplified by the constant use of Twitter, became a central component of his presidency's brand. This direct communication with his base and the frequent use of the hashtag #Trump100Days reflected an attempt to shape the narrative amid criticism from the press and institutions.
Public Evaluation and Initial Legacy
Surveys conducted at the end of the first hundred days pointed to historically low approval ratings for a newly inaugurated president. According to the Gallup Institute, Trump had about 41% approval — the lowest rate ever recorded at this point in a modern presidency.
Despite the controversies, Trump maintained solid support among his most loyal voters, especially those who felt ignored by the political elites in Washington. For them, the president represented a necessary break from the status quo.
Final Considerations
The milestone of #Trump100Days was, above all, a reflection of the deep political and social divisions in the United States. The first months of the Trump administration revealed a bold administration but with clear limitations on institutional articulation. While consolidating his base, Trump faced significant challenges in turning promises into lasting policies.
More than a report of achievements, Trump's first hundred days served as a harbinger of the tone and direction that would mark his presidency: combative, polarizing, and deeply transformative of the American political debate.