Trump’s First 100 Days: Mixed Successes and Ongoing Challenges

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In his first 100 days of his second term, President Donald Trump has experienced a blend of achievements and frustrations. Upon taking office, Trump declared that ‘America’s decline is over’ during his inaugural address, but his approval rating has dipped to 41%, the lowest for any president at this mark.

Despite only signing one formal piece of legislation, Trump has enacted sweeping changes through executive orders, tackling issues like immigration, economy, and foreign policy. His rapid approach has frustrated some within his administration, as discussions on immigration and trade with foreign nations face delays.

“These first two years are the big years,” a senior White House official said, emphasizing the importance of advancing Trump’s agenda before the 2026 midterm elections. The White House anticipates escalated legislative efforts, particularly on proposed tax cuts.

Simultaneously, Trump remains concerned about the ongoing war in Ukraine and stalled trade negotiations with China. In recent meetings, Trump has expressed anger over perceived slow progress from his team and foreign leaders.

Powerful advisers like Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller are pushing for significant changes, although some actions have been challenged in court. Musk has also faced criticism from agencies over proposed budget cuts that have yet to meet his ambitious goals.

Internal discord has resurfaced within the White House. While Trump previously sought to avoid the chaos of his first term, the old patterns of infighting and leaks have returned. Notably, Chief of Staff Susie Wiles is a crucial influence within the administration, as Trump values her counsel.

Trump has also focused on boosting his foreign policy credentials during this term, meeting with various world leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, to address ongoing conflicts. His administration emphasizes the importance of early achievements in foreign negotiations.

Polls indicate rising public dissatisfaction with Trump’s leadership, with nearly two-thirds of Americans expressing negative feelings about the state of the country. Many feel Congress isn’t doing enough to check Trump’s power, as both Democrats and Republicans struggle with leadership ratings.

As Trump aims to cement his legacy, his second term’s 100-day mark has proven crucial. Moving forward, he faces increasing pressure to deliver substantive results on his major policy priorities amidst growing public scrutiny and the upcoming elections.