As President Donald J. Trump marks the 100th day of his second term on April 30, 2025, his administration has unleashed a whirlwind of activity that has reshaped the political, economic, and cultural landscape of the United States. From an unprecedented number of executive orders to sweeping policy shifts, Trump’s return to the White House has been characterized by bold promises, chaotic implementation, and deep polarization. Here’s a look at the key moments, achievements, and controversies of Trump’s first 100 days, drawing on recent reports and public sentiment.
A Record-Breaking Pace of Executive Action
Trump’s second term began with a bang, as he signed a record 26 executive orders on his first day in office, January 20, 2025, and continued to issue a total of 143 by the 100-day mark—surpassing Franklin D. Roosevelt’s previous record of 99. These orders targeted a wide range of priorities, from immigration and border security to energy policy and government efficiency. Key actions included:
Reversing Biden-Era Policies: Within hours of his inauguration, Trump rescinded 78 of President Joe Biden’s executive actions, particularly those related to climate change, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, and COVID-19 measures.
Immigration Crackdown: Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border, initiating mass deportation efforts and reinstating travel bans from his first term. He also attempted to revoke birthright citizenship, though this faces ongoing legal challenges.
Government Overhaul: The creation of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, aimed to slash federal spending and eliminate agencies like the Department of Education. While Musk promised $1 trillion in cuts, analysts predict far less, and the program has sparked concerns over data privacy and job losses.
This aggressive use of executive power reflects Trump’s embrace of an “imperial presidency,” bypassing Congress to enact his Agenda 47 platform. However, many orders have faced immediate lawsuits, with over 100 cases challenging his actions, signaling a reliance on courts to define the limits of his authority.
Immigration: A Signature Focus with Mixed Results
Immigration has been a cornerstone of Trump’s second term, fulfilling campaign promises to secure the border and deport undocumented immigrants. The administration claims a 93% drop in daily border encounters, with actions like the Laken Riley Act strengthening enforcement. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has conducted high-profile operations, including deporting 104 people to India via military planes.
However, the execution has been controversial. A notable misstep involved the mistaken deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland father, to El Salvador’s harsh CECOT prison, prompting criticism of the administration’s partnership with Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele. Efforts to revoke legal status for students and protesters have also drawn legal pushback, with courts blocking actions like the transgender troop ban. Critics argue that while Trump’s policies generate headlines, actual deportations remain limited compared to the rhetoric.
Tariffs and Trade: Economic Chaos and Global Tensions
Trump’s economic agenda, centered on protectionist tariffs, has been both a rallying cry and a source of turmoil. On April 2, 2025, dubbed “Liberation Day,” he imposed sweeping tariffs on countries like China, Canada, and Mexico, aiming to boost American manufacturing. However, the policy quickly unraveled:
Market Turmoil: The S&P 500 dropped over 7% since inauguration, the worst performance since Gerald Ford’s presidency in 1974, as businesses grappled with supply chain disruptions.
Global Retaliation: China responded with a 145% tariff on U.S. goods, while Canada and Mexico saw temporary exemptions after intense negotiations.
Consumer Impact: Critics warn that tariffs will raise prices for American consumers, contradicting Trump’s promise to lower living costs. Amazon’s reported plan to display tariff-related price increases drew White House ire, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt calling it a “hostile and political act.”
While Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent framed tariffs as a negotiation tool, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick insisted they were permanent, highlighting internal contradictions. The economic fallout has fueled concerns of a potential recession, with consumer confidence at a three-year low.
Foreign Policy: A Dramatic Shift
Trump’s foreign policy has been marked by a retreat from traditional alliances and a cozying up to authoritarian leaders. His first 100 days saw a seismic shake-up, described as the biggest since 1945. Key developments include:
NATO and Ukraine: Trump feuded with NATO, calling European allies “freeloaders” and threatening to withhold defense support unless they meet a 2% GDP spending threshold. He also scaled back aid to Ukraine, drawing criticism for emboldening Russia’s Vladimir Putin. His plea for Putin to “stop” missile attacks on Kyiv was widely mocked as weak.
Admiration for Strongmen: Trump publicly praised leaders like Putin and El Salvador’s Bukele, while proposing to seize control of the Panama Canal and annex Canada—ideas that stunned global counterparts.
Gaza Controversy: His suggestion to “take over” Gaza sparked outrage, with Democrats like Congressman Al Green threatening impeachment. Republicans, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, offered muted support.
These moves have strained relations with allies, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen declaring, “The west as we knew it no longer exists.”
Domestic Upheaval: Retribution and Polarization
At home, Trump’s administration has pursued a strategy of retribution and cultural warfare. He pardoned approximately 1,500 individuals convicted in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, setting a tone of defiance. The Justice Department, under Attorney General Pam Bondi, has been accused of targeting political enemies, including investigations of former President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and critics like retired General Mark Milley.
The administration’s push to eliminate DEI programs, ban gender-affirming care, and cut funding for “woke” schools has galvanized supporters but alienated others. Harvard University and other institutions have resisted, with some losing federal funding. Meanwhile, the firing of thousands of federal workers and the dismantling of agencies like the Office of Global Change have raised concerns about government functionality.
Vice President JD Vance’s claim that “judges aren’t allowed to control the executive’s legitimate power” has fueled fears of an assault on judicial authority, with legal experts warning of a constitutional crisis.
Public Reaction and Approval Ratings
Trump’s approval ratings reflect the divisive nature of his first 100 days. A Pew Research poll pegged his approval at 40%, the lowest for any president at this stage in generations. An ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll reported 39% approval and 55% disapproval, with even his base showing signs of frustration over economic disruptions. Posts on X highlight the split: supporters like
@KEVINMAGA2024 praise border security and the end of “woke” policies, while critics like @SteveSchmidtSES warn of a “fascist regime.” Protests have erupted, with over 1,000 “Hands Off” demonstrations decrying deportations, federal worker firings, and cuts to health programs. Yet, Trump’s allies, including Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune, celebrate his “unprecedented” achievements, claiming “America is back.”
Looking Ahead: A Lasting Legacy?
While Trump’s first 100 days have been consequential, their long-term impact remains uncertain. Without Congressional legislation, many executive actions could be reversed by a future president. The narrow Republican majorities in Congress face challenges in passing laws to cement Trump’s agenda, and the 2026 midterms loom as a potential check on his power.
The courts will play a pivotal role, with the Supreme Court set to hear cases on birthright citizenship and other contentious issues. Meanwhile, economic indicators—like a 0.3% GDP contraction in Q1 2025—suggest challenges ahead.
Trump’s aides, like Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, insist he’s “just getting started,” with four years of pent-up plans to execute. But as historian Steven Levitsky warns, the speed and scope of Trump’s actions resemble authoritarian regimes, raising questions about the resilience of American democracy.
Conclusion
Donald Trump’s first 100 days have been a high-stakes gamble to remake America in his image. His supporters see a bold leader delivering on promises to secure borders, boost the economy, and restore “common sense.” Critics, however, see a chaotic and vengeful administration that threatens democratic norms and economic stability. As the dust settles, the next 1,361 days will determine whether Trump’s frenetic start translates into enduring change—or a cautionary tale of overreach.
Sources: The Guardian, BBC, TIME, NPR, The New York Times, AP News, The Economist, CNN, POLITICO, The New Yorker, PBS NewsHour, Center for American Progress, Wikipedia, Whitehouse.gov, and posts on X.
