Donald Trump’s first 100 days have been eventful, to say the least. The US President has threatened to turn the US’s closest ally (Canada) into the 51st state, he’s started a trade war with just about everyone (only to back down), deported US citizens to an El Salvador mega-prison and given Elon Musk and an ungodly amount of power.
President Donald Trump’s return to the White House has been marked by sweeping executive actions, deep institutional overhauls, and escalating global tensions. His second term’s opening stretch has been one of the most turbulent in modern U.S. history.
Donald Trump’s First 100 Days: Aggressive Moves, Mounting Backlash
Government Overhaul and Power Consolidation
On his first day, Trump signed a flurry of executive orders, including the creation of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, aimed at slashing federal bureaucracy. Thousands of civil servants were fired or pushed out, and inspectors general were removed across agencies. Trump also reclassified many federal workers as at-will employees, enabling the replacement of career staff with political loyalists. Critics argue these moves have eroded the nonpartisan foundation of the civil service.
Elon Musk Doge Role
Elon Musk has taken on a surprising role in Trump’s new administration, heading the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency. Tasked with slashing red tape and overhauling federal agencies, Musk has become a key figure in Trump’s push to replace career officials with political loyalists. Critics argue his involvement blurs the line between tech influence and government control. It appears – since losing a lot of money – Musk is now distancing himself from the Trump administration, and is set to leave politics and return to business.
Immigration Crackdown
Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border and launched what he called the largest deportation operation in U.S. history. He also signed an executive order attempting to end birthright citizenship for children born to undocumented immigrants. While some courts have pushed back, the administration continues to pursue aggressive immigration enforcement.
Trump’s first 100 days video
US Citizens Deported
Trump’s administration has faced widespread condemnation after reports emerged of U.S. citizens being mistakenly detained and deported to an El Salvador prison. Civil rights groups have accused the government of gross negligence and racial profiling, claiming that several Latino U.S. citizens were swept up in mass immigration raids without due process. The detainees were reportedly flown to El Salvador under a new fast-track deportation scheme and held in a high-security facility known for its brutal conditions. While the administration has so far refused to acknowledge wrongdoing, legal experts warn this could represent a major breach of constitutional rights and spark a wave of lawsuits against the federal government.
Trade Wars and Economic Turbulence
Trump reignited trade wars by imposing sweeping tariffs on Chinese and European goods, including electric vehicles and steel. China retaliated with tariffs on U.S. agricultural and tech products, leading to market instability and rising consumer prices. Public disapproval of these policies has grown, with polls indicating a majority of Americans disapprove of his handling of the economy.
Foreign Policy Shifts and Strained Alliances
The administration has taken a confrontational stance toward traditional allies. Trump has accused Canada of exploiting the U.S. through “rigged” trade deals and suggested a military presence near the northern border to “secure our supply chains.” He has also threatened to reclaim control of the Panama Canal and expressed admiration for authoritarian leaders, raising concerns about the U.S.’s commitment to the post-WWII liberal order.
Cultural Policy and Civil Rights Rollbacks
Domestically, Trump has targeted diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, eliminating federal programs and cracking down on transgender rights. He issued an executive order recognizing only “two sexes – male and female,” and his administration has moved to defund public broadcasters and limit media access, prompting lawsuits from organizations like the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and the Associated Press.
Public Opinion and Political Fallout
Despite the administration’s assertive agenda, the public response has been largely negative. An NPR/PBS/Marist poll shows that 45% of Americans grade Trump’s performance with an “F,” and more than 60% believe he is moving too quickly with policy changes. Prominent figures, including Elon Musk, have distanced themselves from the administration, and Republican lawmakers are facing backlash from constituents.
As Trump’s second term progresses, the nation remains deeply divided, with institutional resistance mounting and concerns growing over the administration’s direction.
Sources
- The Most Significant First 100 Days Since FDR – Times
- New Polling Shows How Many People Hate Trump’s First 100 Days. What About the Next Thousand? -Vanity Fair
- Karoline Leavitt Throws Epic 100 Days Self-Pity Party for Cable Fanatic Trump – Daily Beast