Donald Trump’s first 100 days: a turbulent return to power

Tuesday 29 April 2025 - 07:33

Donald Trump is back in the White House after 100 days. What promises has he kept? And what do Americans think of their transitioning country?

Since the Republican's inauguration on January 20 for his second term, the United States and the world have been caught in a whirlwind of announcements from the White House. Hardly a day goes by without an action, promise, statement, or threat from Donald Trump making headlines.

In just 100 days, the American president has upended the global order, and the United States has made a dramatic shift.

The confrontation is total and ongoing. Each day brings a new upheaval, whether in foreign policy or domestic affairs.

Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met during the funeral of Pope Francis, but their relationship remains strained. According to political professor Patrick Malone, “It doesn't matter which side you're on. Most people agree these times have been quite animated—perhaps more so in the first 30 days than the last. Trump has certainly arrived ready for battle.”

24 hours to resolve the war in Ukraine

Trump claimed he would end the war in Ukraine “in 24 hours.” Now, 100 days later, the bombs continue to fall. What has changed is that the U.S. has suspended military aid to Kyiv, labeled the Ukrainian president as ungrateful in the Oval Office, and conceded all of Vladimir Putin's demands before even beginning peace negotiations.

In Europe, Vice President JD Vance publicly humiliated NATO countries during a speech in Munich, making it clear that the old continent can no longer rely on the United States for its defense. Consequently, the EU has initiated its plan to “rearm Europe.”

“Tariff Man”

More broadly, many allies are now viewed as adversaries by the president. This includes Canada, which Trump has expressed a desire to annex, intending to inflict economic pain on his neighbor. This approach involves imposing significant tariffs. Trump, who calls himself “Tariff Man,” has promised to push other countries to negotiate more favorable trade agreements for Washington.

The Supreme Court is currently dominated by judges who lean towards the Republican camp.

The president has indeed launched an all-out trade war, imposing new tariffs worldwide, which have since been partially rolled back or paused. China, the primary target, has retaliated, leading to stock market fluctuations and widespread uncertainty.

A day-to-day governance

The unpredictability of the White House’s next move, marked by constant agitation and contradictions, characterizes these first 100 days. Patrick Malone from American University notes that “these 100 days have been a whirlwind, not solely of progress. It’s a very difficult way to lead a government. All governments seek coherence, predictability, and slow advancement. Stability is necessary, and that is lacking right now.”

According to a Pew polling institute study, Americans are now more critical of the economic situation and their country's future than they were in February, shortly after Trump's inauguration.

Relative economic outcomes

Domestically, the president positioned himself as an anti-inflation champion, promising price reductions from day one. In some areas, such as gasoline, prices have decreased. The overall inflation rate shows a slight slowdown; however, for most Americans, grocery bills remain virtually unchanged.

The World Food Programme (WFP) and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) have announced drastic cuts to their activities, a consequence of the reductions in international aid, particularly from the United States.

Another promise made was to drastically reduce public spending. Washington has halted international development aid. Nationally, the government efficiency agency, led by Elon Musk, has cut federal staff but has yet to demonstrate its budgetary effectiveness.

Expelling "bloodthirsty criminals"

Finally, immigration remains an obsession for the Trump camp. The president pledged to execute the largest deportation program in U.S. history, asserting his intent to imprison “bloodthirsty criminals” for swift expulsion.

In February, the first full month of the new administration, about 11,000 migrants were expelled. In February 2021, during Joe Biden's first month, that figure was approximately 12,000.

Conversely, according to NBC News, fewer people are crossing into the United States through the Mexican border since the Republican's inauguration.