Trump's Controversial Start: A Look at His First 100 Days of Governance
On January 19th, the day before the commencement of his second term, U.S. President Donald Trump addressed a rally, proclaiming that the nation would soon experience the 'best first day, the greatest first week, and the most extraordinary first 100 days' of any presidency in American history. As he marks the end of these first 100 days today, the realities of his administration’s record come into focus, revealing a tenure characterized more by turmoil and controversy than by triumph.
Trump's first 100 days have seen remarkable reductions in federal government capabilities, with tens of thousands of personnel terminated and entire agencies dismantled. The administration has expelled numerous migrants, many arriving under humanitarian permits, often without offering them protections or the opportunity to contest their removals—a situation that has skirted close to provoking a constitutional crisis. Severe measures such as arrests of students, cuts to educational institutions that did not comply with the government's directives, and the application of exorbitant tariffs—temporarily suspended but influential enough to destabilize stock markets—have all contributed to a negative image overall.
Yet beyond the measures enacted, Trump has also failed to deliver on key promises. Ongoing conflicts, such as the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, remain unresolved despite Trump’s assertions that he would end them swiftly. His reliance on executive orders has been unprecedented, signing far more than his presidential predecessors, yet many of these orders have faced judicial challenges that jeopardize their effectiveness.
Public perception has thus far been unfavorable; Trump's average approval rating hovers around 44 percent, the lowest for any U.S. president after their first 100 days since the 1950s. This trend of unpopular governance can be partially attributed to the weak opposition from both the Republican and Democratic parties, with Trump consolidating power and support among party loyalists, thus stifling dissent.
In a surprising move, renowned entrepreneur Elon Musk was appointed to head the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), leading a reorganization campaign that has resulted in the layoff of over 120,000 federal employees and dismantling agencies like USAID. However, the anticipated cost savings have been minimal, raising concerns over the efficacy of these strategies.
Despite strict immigration control measures resulting in reduced migrant entries, the handling of these instances has been criticized for its severity. Many Venezuelans with valid residency cards have found themselves wrongfully accused and expelled, highlighting a troubling approach to immigration and civil rights.
The administration’s relationship with the judiciary has also become increasingly contentious, with courts blocking a number of Trump’s actions, leading to widespread uncertainty among the affected populations. The tension is indicative of a broader struggle for presidential power and authority within the U.S. governmental structure.
On the international front, Trump's bold claims while campaigning about swiftly resolving global conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza have yet to materialize. His administration's connection with Russia has raised eyebrows, balancing on the thin line between negotiations and pressuring Ukraine in an effort for ceasefire agreements. Further complicating foreign relations, Trump's approach towards Israel has met with significant backlash following proposals deemed ethically problematic, especially regarding Palestinian rights.
Moreover, Trump's foreign policy has strained traditional alliances, with America’s credibility on the decline as it navigates trade tariffs that have severely disrupted financial markets. His fixation on imposing tariffs initially led to several market collapses, counteracting the intended economic boost Trump hoped to achieve.
Domestically, Trump's administration has faced attacks on institutions, particularly within the educational sector. Many universities have had to reconsider their policies under the threat of losing federal funding, reflecting a broader campaign to align educational agendas with the administration's directive.
Amidst a backdrop of polarizing governance, Trump’s first 100 days has heralded a significant departure from the traditions of his predecessors, producing a series of actions that conflict with established norms and presenting a threat to the current political equilibrium. This early trajectory may set a daunting precedent for the remaining years of his term.
Related Sources: