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By Konner Hines
President Donald Trump’s return to the White House in January marked a swift and contentious start to his second term. Within his first 100 days, he signed approximately 142 executive orders, the most of any president during this period, focusing on immigration reform, federal spending cuts, and reshaping government agencies.
Immigration and Border Policies
On immigration, Trump quickly reinforced the “Remain in Mexico” policy for asylum seekers, suspended the Refugee Admissions Program for 90 days, and controversially pushed to end birthright citizenship for children of non-citizens born on U.S. soil. His administration also designated international drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations and deployed armed forces to the southern border, citing the fentanyl crisis as a national emergency. These policies have drawn swift legal challenges and condemnation from immigrant rights groups and civil liberties advocates.
Government Restructuring and Efficiency
In a move to drastically reshape the federal government, Trump created the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) on his first day in office. Led by tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, the new department was tasked with reducing federal spending and eliminating what the administration calls “bureaucratic excess.” The restructuring has led to widespread staff cuts and regulatory rollbacks, which supporters praise as fiscally responsible but critics argue will undermine essential public services.
Foreign Policy Shifts
Trump’s foreign policy decisions signaled a return to his “America First” doctrine. He withdrew the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement, suspended most foreign aid for a 90-day review (excluding emergency humanitarian efforts), reversed sanctions on Israeli settlements in the West Bank, and officially re-designated Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism. His administration also held controversial diplomatic talks with Syria’s president and engaged in new negotiations with Gulf states, particularly Qatar—moves that have drawn criticism from both international allies and domestic opponents.
Domestic Policy and Social Issues
Domestically, Trump’s administration has reignited debates over social safety nets and tax policy. Proposed budget plans included cuts to Medicaid and SNAP benefits, alongside new tax reforms that analysts say disproportionately favor higher-income earners. Trump also issued controversial pardons for several individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol attack, further polarizing the political climate. His renewed push to end birthright citizenship has made its way to the Supreme Court, raising significant constitutional concerns and legal scrutiny.
Challenges and Legal Hurdles
Despite the flurry of activity, Trump’s early months in office have not been without major hurdles. Several executive orders, including those targeting birthright citizenship and immigration enforcement, have already been temporarily blocked in federal court. Critics have also questioned the legality and ethical implications of the DOGE, with opposition mounting from labor unions and civil rights groups alike.
Trump vs. Public Opinion
In a sit-down interview with ABC News, President Trump addressed concerns some Americans may feel.”This is what I campaigned on. I said that we’ve been abused by other countries at levels nobody’s ever seen before. I could’ve left it that way, and eventually, there would’ve been an implosion like nobody’s ever seen. But I said, ‘No, we have to fix it.’ I’ve wanted to do this for many years,” said Trump.
According to a PBS News poll, 49% of Americans say former President Trump’s policies have had a negative impact on their lives, while 20% report no impact, and 32% say the impact has been positive.
Conclusion
In summary, President Trump’s first 100 days have been characterized by sweeping policy initiatives, controversial leadership choices, and a return to hardline nationalist themes. While he has made progress on some key campaign promises, many of his actions remain tied up in legal battles.
Many of his policies hold up to Project 2025. As the administration continues to press forward, the long-term impact of these early decisions will play a critical role in shaping America’s political and social landscape through 2025 and beyond outcomes of these policies will likely continue to shape the political landscape.
Sources:
- CBS News. (2025, April 29). Trump’s first 100 days: Executive order record.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-first-100-days-executive-order-record/
- Human Rights Watch. (2025). Remain in Mexico.
https://www.hrw.org/tag/remain-mexico
- CBS News. (2025, May 7). Trump’s Project 2025 and his first 100 days.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-project-2025-first-100-days/
- Raju, M. (2025, May 9). Judge blocks Trump administration’s federal employee layoffs. Politico.
- NBC Washington. (2025, May 8). Trump’s $4.9 trillion tax plan targets Medicaid to offset costs. https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/politics/trumps-4-9-trillion-tax-plan-targets-medicaid-to-offset-costs/3911962/
- Barajas, J. (2025, April 29). Trump gets an ‘F’ on his first 100 days from the plurality of Americans, poll finds. PBS News. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/how-americans-grade-trumps-first-100-days
- Bruggeman, L., & Farrow, F. (2025, April 29). Trump discusses the first 100 days of his historic presidency in an exclusive ABC interview. ABC News. https://abcnews.go.com/US/trump-defends-100-days-historic-presidency-exclusive-abc/story?id=121295023
Summary:
In his first 100 days of 2025, President Donald Trump has implemented sweeping changes across immigration, government restructuring, and foreign policy. His administration reinstated the “Remain in Mexico” policy, pushed for cuts to Medicaid and social services, and introduced controversial policies, including the creation of a DOGE led by Elon Musk.
Trump’s foreign policy saw a withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement and the redesignation of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism. However, many of his actions, including attempts to end birthright citizenship, have faced legal challenges. Despite strong opposition, Trump’s early actions have reshaped key areas of governance and set the tone for the remainder of his second term.
Authors Bio
Konner Hines is a Marketing and International Business student at Baldwin Wallace University, a member of the Honors College. Passionate about storytelling and global issues, Knowles explores pop culture, media, and social justice through thought-provoking writing.
