#Trump100Days The first 100 days of Donald Trump's second term, which began on January 20, 2025, were marked by a series of executive actions, political changes, and polarizing speeches, as reported by various news sources. Here is a concise summary:
Key Actions and Policies:
• Executive Orders: Trump signed over 145 executive orders, 36 memoranda, and 10 proclamations, focusing on immigration, trade, energy, and government reform. Highlights include the emergency declaration at the U.S.-Mexico border, the start of mass deportations, and the use of the Foreign Enemies Act to deport alleged gang members.
• Immigration: Border crossings dropped dramatically due to strict enforcement, including high-profile deportations. However, some cases raised concerns about due process.
• Economy and Trade: Despite campaign promises to cut spending, federal spending increased by over $200 billion compared to the previous year. The U.S. economy contracted in the first quarter of 2025, partly due to rising imports as companies anticipated Trump's tariffs. His tariff policies destabilized markets, with oil prices dropping 20% and tech stocks declining, although gold prices soared.
• Energy: Trump promoted 'American energy dominance,' but oil prices fell, and coal faced difficulties despite political support. Liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports saw increased approvals.
• Diversity and Civil Rights: Trump revoked an executive order from 1965 on employment equality, cut environmental protections for marginalized communities, and targeted diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, being criticized for undermining civil rights.
• Government Reform: The creation of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, aimed to reduce waste but resulted in fraud allegations. Plans for an External Revenue Service were mentioned but remain unresolved.
Public and Political Reaction:
• Approval: Polls show Trump's approval at historically low levels for a president in the first 100 days, with 41-42% approval according to CNN and NPR. Almost half of Americans gave him an 'F' grade, citing economic concerns and aggressive immigration policies.
• Democrats: Democratic lawmakers, including Chuck Schumer, called the first 100 days a 'failure,' criticizing economic policies and authoritarian trends. Some warn of 'rising authoritarianism' linked to Project 2025, which Trump distanced himself from during the campaign.
• Republicans: Supporters, especially MAGA Republicans, praise immigration and deregulation efforts, viewing the first 100 days as a success. They argue it is too early to judge the economic impact.
• Public Sentiment: Polls indicate frustration among Democrats and independents, while Republicans are satisfied. Economic concerns, such as rising unemployment in states like Michigan, dominate public discourse.
Events and Rhetoric:
• Trump celebrated the 100th day with a rally in Michigan on April 29, 2025, themed 'Golden Age of America,' where he highlighted achievements but focused on past grievances, including false claims about the 2020 election and attacks on 'communist' judges.
• At a NewsNation event, Trump claimed he made 'no mistakes' in the first 100 days, attributing the economic contraction to Biden's policies.
• The media strategy of his administration and campaign-style events suggest a focus on maintaining a loyal base while disregarding critical polls.
Future Perspectives:
• The next 100 days should prioritize trade deals, peace negotiations, and more executive actions, with Trump signaling an inflexible approach, stating, 'Nothing will stop me.'
• Critics, such as Robert Reich, warn of democratic backsliding, calling for resistance from institutional leaders. Pressure tests in Congress are coming, with Democrats seeking to counter Trump's policies.
Critical Note: While supporters view aggressive executive actions as fulfilling campaign promises, critics argue that they destabilize the economy and democracy. The economic contraction and low approval ratings contrast with the narrative of a 'historic' start, suggesting a polarized reality. Always verify information, as media biases and incomplete data can distort perceptions.