When President Donald Trump launched his second term with a pledge to Make America Great Again, few anticipated the roller-coaster ride that would define his first 100 days. From sweeping executive orders to headline-grabbing trade battles, the administration’s early moves have drawn both intense support and sharp criticism at home and abroad.
A recent Washington Post/ABC News/Ipsos poll shows just 39 percent of American adults approve of Trump's performance, his lowest 100-day approval rating in 80 years. Meanwhile, 55 percent disapprove, with 44 percent expressing strong dissatisfaction. That stark contrast breaks the traditional presidential honeymoon and signals deep political polarization.
On the domestic front, the White House set up a Department of Government Efficiency to slash bureaucracy and cut costs. What began as a plan to save 2 trillion dollars in government spending has been scaled back to a 150 billion target. Dozens of legal challenges and implementation delays have made even that goal a stretch, and public confidence in the initiative has dipped from 51 percent support in February to 43 percent today.
Beyond budget battles, the administration's clashes with universities, law firms and cultural institutions have underscored a broader strategy to reshape American governance. Yet many promised results—improved services, lower debt and streamlined programs—have yet to materialize, leaving voters hungry for tangible wins.
On the global stage, a tit-for-tat trade war aimed at revitalizing manufacturing has instead driven up costs for businesses and consumers. Tariffs on key imports have sent commodity prices and market volatility higher, prompting questions about whether the America First doctrine can balance national ambitions with global economic realities.
As markets, businesses and young professionals around the world watch closely, Trump's first 100 days offer a case study in rapid policy shifts and their real-world impact. With 265 days to go before the midpoint of his term, the administration faces mounting pressure to translate bold promises into measurable success.
Reference(s):
Trump's 100 days: Make America Great Again or Make America Decline?
cgtn.com
