Trump’s First 100 Days: Policies and Controversies
WASHINGTON — May 16, 2024 — The first 100 days of President Trump’s term have been a whirlwind of activity, from executive orders to controversial appointments and international disputes. The article analyses his agenda across the economy, immigration, and foreign policy. The actions taken by president Trump are likely to reshape numerous sectors, so read on.
trump’s First 100 Days: A Deep Dive into Policies and Controversies
President Trump is aggressively pursuing his agenda across various sectors, including the economy, commerce, immigration, foreign policy, education, health, the armed forces, and social policies. Even the water pressure in the White House is under scrutiny, purportedly to ensure it’s adequate for washing its beautiful hair.
From the outset of his term, Trump has issued several executive orders aimed at reversing many of the measures implemented by his predecessor, Barack Obama.However, the volume and scope of these actions have surpassed those of 2017.
Did You Know?
Executive orders are directives issued by the President of the United States that manage operations of the federal government. They do not require congressional approval but have the force of law.
Dr. Nevena Trajkov,president of the Department of Political Sciences at the University of Jacksonville,Florida,notes,Trump learned from his first administration that,if he expects too much,he loses the ability to make sudden changes. let’s not forget all the rotations of positions in 2017.
I think I am using the presidency’s powers. I feel that we have had successful 100 days
Donald Trump
Celebration Rally
To mark his first 100 days in office, Trump is scheduled to hold a rally in Macomb County, Michigan. This county, located on the outskirts of Detroit, is a key area for the automotive industry. Michigan is a crucial swing state in elections,with both Democrats and Republicans vying for votes. Trump won the state in 2016, lost it in 2020, and won again in 2024.
The Tariff War and Confrontation with China
trump’s focus on China as a commercial and geopolitical adversary was anticipated. During his first term, he initiated a tariff war against China, but the current situation is more intense. He has also confronted allies such as Canada and Mexico, imposing tariffs for allegedly failing to control their borders and allowing fentanyl to enter the United States. Additional tariffs of 10% have been levied on China.
immigration Policies and ICE Actions
Along with declaring a national emergency on the southern border, Trump authorized increased raids and arrests of suspected undocumented immigrants. ICE (the Federal immigration Agency) arrested approximately 33,000 migrants in the early days of his mandate,including some with legal status and work permits. Protections for migrants of certain nationalities, such as Temporary Protected Status (TPS), and several residence requests were paused.
pro Tip
TPS is granted to eligible foreign-born individuals who are unable to return home safely due to conditions or circumstances preventing their country from adequately handling the return.
Notably, about 200 Venezuelans, allegedly members of the Aragua train gang, were deported to the Center for Confinement of Terrorism (CECOT), a maximum-security prison in el Salvador, through an agreement between Trump and President nayib Bukele. although initially revoked by a judicial ruling, the Supreme Court lifted the impediment, highlighting divisions within the American justice system regarding Trump’s decisions.
Elon Musk and State Expenses Cut
The appointment of Elon musk as a special advisor to the Government Efficiency department (Doge) has been controversial. Musk’s role involves cutting state expenses, leading to the dismissal of thousands of federal employees and the closure of agencies like USAID and Voice of America. According to The New York Times, approximately 134,000 people have been fired or resigned, with plans to cut an additional 145,000 jobs. Some positions have been reinstated through judicial orders, but their long-term security remains uncertain.
These cuts affect not only bureaucrats but also specialists and technicians in critical areas such as defense,energy,national security,meteorology,education,and public administration.
Dr. Trajkov suggests that Trump was more restrained during his first term: In her first administration she had a cabinet and a team that controlled her actions and avoided much of the chaos we see today. This time, Trump has surrounded himself with flatterers in her cabinet and has practically captured the institutions.
The Struggle Against Elite Universities
Trump has also targeted what he calls the ‘Woke Culture’ and the progressivism prevalent in elite universities. Accusing these institutions of allowing anti-Semitism due to protests against Israeli bombings in Gaza, he threatened to cut subsidies crucial for their research. Affected institutions include Columbia University, Yale, Upenn, Cornell, and harvard. The Trump administration has already frozen $2.2 billion in financing for Harvard, which has responded with a lawsuit.
The War in Ukraine and Relations with Allies
Trump stated he would end the war in Ukraine within 24 hours.While negotiations have begun, the war continues. Shortly after assuming office, he engaged in a 90-minute conversation with President Vladimir Putin, signaling his intent to reach an agreement, potentially sidelining European partners. He also met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, whom he publicly criticized. However, Trump has since demanded an end to recent Russian bombings on Kyiv.
Whether Trump will continue to pursue peace or shift his focus to neutralizing China remains to be seen.
