As President Trump’s second term reaches the 100-day milestone, his administration’s early actions offer a glimpse into the potential trajectory of the next four years. This traditional marker, popularized by Franklin Roosevelt’s presidency, continues to serve as a preliminary assessment of a president’s priorities and accomplishments.
Roosevelt’s first 100 days set a high standard for future administrations with his swift enactment of policies to address the country’s financial struggles. Since then, this period has been used to evaluate presidential effectiveness, though Julian Zelizer, a professor of history and public affairs at Princeton University, reminds us that early challenges don’t necessarily predict a presidency’s legacy, citing Lincoln’s initial struggles.
Executive Orders: A Record Pace
President Trump has signed 142 executive orders since January 20, a record-breaking number surpassing Franklin Roosevelt’s previous benchmark of 99. His orders focus on reducing federal government size, shaping foreign policy and defense, and addressing immigration and border security. However, some of these orders, like those freezing foreign aid and banning transgender troops, face legal obstacles, with the Supreme Court set to hear arguments on birthright citizenship in May.
Reversing Biden’s Actions
Trump has prioritized overturning many of former President Biden’s executive actions, rescinding over 100 orders, primarily in climate change, COVID-19 management, and diversity. This extensive reversal highlights the inherent instability of relying on executive orders for lasting policy changes, as noted by the American Presidency Project.
Legislative Impact: Minimal So Far
Compared to his first term, President Trump has signed fewer bills into law—only five so far. This includes the Laken Riley Act and three Congressional Review Act resolutions, marking a record low for new legislation in a president’s initial 100 days.
Litigation: An Ongoing Battle
The administration’s aggressive policy changes have led to over 200 active lawsuits, many involving immigration and federal workforce reductions. Legal challenges continue to shape the administration’s policy execution, as tracked by Just Security and LawFare databases.
Public Approval: A Slight Decline
According to an NPR/PBS/Marist survey, Trump’s approval rating has dipped to 42%, a slight decrease from 45% in March. Despite this drop, his approval remains consistent with his first-term ratings.
Pardons and Clemency
President Trump has issued 39 pardons, including a sweeping pardon for January 6 Capitol rioters. This early use of pardoning power contrasts with his first term when pardons were issued later and less frequently.
Federal Workforce Reductions
Trump’s second term has seen significant federal workforce cuts through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk. While intended to streamline operations, the impact on cost savings remains unclear, and some layoffs have been reversed due to legal interventions.
Immigration Enforcement Intensified
Under Trump’s administration, immigration enforcement has intensified, with historic lows in border crossings reported in March. However, these actions have been met with legal challenges, including intervention from the Supreme Court.
Trade and Tariffs
Trump’s tariff policies, imposing a 10% baseline on imports and higher rates on specific goods, have stirred global market reactions. As negotiations with other countries continue, the average effective tariff rate in the U.S. has reached 28%, the highest in over a century.
Inflation: A Lingering Challenge
Despite campaign promises to curb inflation, the rate stands at 2.4% as of March. Economists caution that the ongoing trade tensions may lead to increased prices in the future.
—
Read More Michigan News
