Trump's first 100 days: Sweeping changes, legal challenges, and economic concerns

As President Donald Trump reaches the end of his first 100 days in his second term, his presidency has been marked by significant executive actions, controversial immigration policies, economic volatility, and a major reorganization of the federal government.

With Republicans controlling both chambers of Congress, Trump has made swift progress in implementing his agenda, though not without facing legal challenges and public discontent.

Unprecedented executive action

Since his inauguration on January 20, 2025, President Trump has signed 137 executive orders, 39 proclamations, and 36 memorandums, far surpassing his predecessors in terms of executive actions. On his first day alone, he signed 26 executive orders, setting a record for any president's first day in office.

Trump's executive actions have tackled a wide array of issues, including reversing Biden-era policies, reorganizing immigration enforcement, withdrawing from international agreements, and expanding energy production on federal lands. These actions have faced legal pushback, with many orders testing the limits of executive authority and sparking lawsuits challenging their constitutionality.

Immigration enforcement takes center stage

Immigration has been a focal point of Trump’s second term, with several strict measures implemented under the newly signed Laken Riley Act, which expands the scope of individuals who can be arrested, detained, and deported. This legislation has led to mass deportations, the reinstatement of national emergencies, and the controversial use of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to deport migrants with limited due process.

While these actions have resulted in a dramatic reduction in border crossings, with Border Patrol reporting the lowest monthly figure for migrant apprehensions since 2000, they have drawn criticism for their harshness and human rights implications.

Economic volatility under new tariff regime

Trump’s aggressive trade policies, particularly the imposition of tariffs on major trading partners, have triggered economic uncertainty. Tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China have resulted in increased costs for businesses and consumers alike, leading to concerns about the long-term effects on the U.S. economy.

Polling data indicates growing economic anxiety among Americans, with more than 70% rating the economy as "not so good" or "poor." Despite this, Trump has defended his tariff strategy, claiming it will ultimately benefit Americans by reshaping the economy to prioritize U.S. interests.

Government reorganization under Musk's DOGE initiative

Perhaps the most controversial and consequential move in Trump’s first 100 days has been the establishment of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by entrepreneur Elon Musk. The initiative aims to reduce federal spending, cut regulations, and downsize the government workforce. While the goal of cutting $1 trillion from the federal budget has been scaled back to $150 billion, the plan has resulted in significant layoffs and program eliminations, creating tension within the federal government.

Foreign policy and international relations

Trump has also made sweeping changes to U.S. foreign policy, including withdrawing from the World Health Organization and the Paris Climate Accords. His administration has suspended most foreign aid for 90 days, with exceptions for key allies like Ukraine, Egypt, and Israel. The State Department's budget has been slashed, and foreign assistance programs are being drastically reduced.

Historic Low approval ratings

As Trump approaches the 100-day mark, his approval rating has dropped to historically low levels, ranging from 39% to 45%. This marks the lowest 100-day approval rating of any president in recent memory, with his economic approval rating dipping to 39%, a career low. This decline reflects mounting concerns about his policies, especially among voters affected by economic uncertainty and controversial executive actions.

Looking ahead

With a challenging 100-day track record, President Trump will need to navigate legal battles, economic concerns, and growing public scrutiny as he moves forward with his second term. While his administration has made significant strides in pushing through its agenda, the coming months will test whether Trump can successfully manage these challenges and continue to pursue his policy goals amidst a divided public and political landscape.