50 Days In, Trump's Second Term Takes Shape Through Executive Action and Economic Uncertainty
As President Donald Trump marks his 50th day in office on March 10, 2025, a clear pattern of governance has emerged through aggressive executive actions, dramatic policy reversals from the previous administration, and an "America First" approach that has rattled markets. According to recent polls, with an approval rating of 52%, Trump has swiftly implemented campaign promises on immigration, energy policy, and government reform. He has also created economic uncertainty through tariff threats that have sent markets tumbling amid recession fears.
The administration has highlighted its accomplishments, with the White House releasing a "50 Wins in 50 Days" document that showcases achievements ranging from border security to bureaucratic reform. However, critics cite market volatility, controversial foreign policy decisions regarding Ukraine, and significant cuts to federal programs as indicators of potential instability ahead.
Border Security and Immigration
The Trump administration has made border security its signature achievement, with illegal border crossings declining by 94% from February 2024 and 96% from the peak during the. Illegalstration. The crossing has declined-creased as much as 99% in some singers compared to 2023 levels.In some sectors, crossings
"If Fox were to send me down there right now, I would have trouble finding a single migrant on camera," Fox News correspondent Bill Melugin noted in a statement highlighted by the White House.
Trump also signed the Laken Riley Act into law, requiring detention of illegal immigrants arrested or charged with theft or violence. The legislation was named after a Georgia college student murdered by an undocumented immigrant who had been released into the country.
A recent poll found that 40% of voters believe conditions at the southern border had improved under Trump, compared to just 16% who thought the situation was favorable before he took office.
Tariffs and Market Turbulence
Trump's economic approach has centered on tariffs and energy production, creating significant market volatility. US stock markets tumbled on Monday, with the Nasdaq plummeting nearly 4%, the S&P 500 falling On Monday, 2%, and the Dow Jones Inverage dropping approximately 900 points amid recession fears.
The market rout followed Trump's refusal to rule out a recession during a Sunday interview with Fox News. "I hate to make predictions like that. There is a transition period because what we're doing is significant. We're bringing wealth back to America," Trump stated.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has emphatically attempted to reassure markets on NBC's "Meet the Press" that "There will be no recession in America."
Trump declared a "national energy emergency" to maximize America's energy potential and reopened 625 million acres for offshore drilling that had been banned during the Biden administration. The White House argues that these actions are intended to reduce costs for American families while positioning the US as the world's leader in lowering gas prices.
Government Restructuring
The administration has taken decisive steps to reshape the federal government by establishing the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to enhance productivity and reduce waste. Trump has mandated that federal workers return to the office five days a week and has implemented a policy allowing agencies to hire one employee for every four who leave. Agencies are required to.
Almost 80,000 federal employees, mainly civilian staff from Health and Human Services, were offered voluntary buyouts of up to $25,000, with a deadline to respond by March 14. This follows an administration directive to prepare for significant layoffs and restructuring by March 13.
The administration has also terminated its "diversity, equity, and inclusion" initiatives throughout the government. Consequently, PBS closed its DEI office, Disney discontinued two DEI programs, Goldman Sachs ended its DEI policy, and the Federal Communications Commission investigated Comcast's discriminatory DEI practices.
Foreign Policy
Trump's foreign policy approach has raised concerns among allies, especially about Ukraine. The president has shown reluctance to continue aid to Ukraine without concessions, including a deal involving rare earth minerals.
When asked about resuming aid to Ukraine, Trump told reporters, "I want them to seek peace." He asserted that Ukraine hasn't pursued peace and suggested that this would become evident "over the next two or three days."
In a Fox News interview, Trump was asked if he is comfortable with the United States potentially withdrawing support for Ukraine. "Well, it may not survive anyway, but, you know, we have some weaknesses with Russia," Trump replied.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that following a six-week review, the administration has canceled more than 80% of all programs at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). "The 5,200 contracts that have been rescinded utilized tens of billions of dollars in manners that did not benefit, and in some instances even harmed, the fundamental national interests of the United States," Rubio stated on social media.
This directive has disrupted USAID's global operations, endangered critical food and medical assistance, and caused confusion in international humanitarian relief efforts. While the administration mentioned issuing waivers for essential aid, humanitarian workers worldwide have reported that funding remains unavailable.
Market Reaction and Economic Outlook
The Nasdaq Composite has entered correction territory, now sitting more than 10% below its December peak. The S&P 500 has erased approximately 8% of its value since reaching a record high on February 19, approaching the 10% threshold indicating a market correction.
Technology stocks have borne the brunt of the selloff, with Tesla shares plummeting over 8%, Palantir dropping 7.5%, and Nvidia falling 5%. The "Magnificent Seven" tech giants were particularly hard hit, with Alphabet down 4%, Meta falling 3%, and Nvidia slipping 2%.
A Reuters poll showed that 91% of economists now see higher recession risks due to Trump's shifting trade policies. This sentiment has been reflected in the bond market, where investors have sought safety amid equity market volatility.
"Recently, the risks of higher inflation resulting from an escalating tariff war have become less prominent in the overall market perspective, while concerns about slower economic growth have emerged as the primary focus," remarked John Canavan, lead U.S. analyst at Oxford Economics.
Congressional Challenges Ahead
The Trump administration faces a critical test this week as it seeks Congress's assistance to solidify part of its agenda. Republicans in the House aim to vote on a proposal to extend federal funding through the end of September, potentially leading to a confrontation in the Senate that might result in a government shutdown.
This upcoming congressional battle will be an early test of House Speaker Mike Johnson's ability to implement Trump's agenda with a slim Republican majority. The bill maintains overall spending levels while increasing funding for Trump's priorities, such as defense and border security.
However, the inability to generate detailed spending outlines for specific government departments, and the choice to defer crucial decisions raise concerns about the House majority's effectiveness. The bill does not address the necessary increase in the government's borrowing capacity—another imminent crisis that could lead to widespread economic fallout without immediate intervention.
The Next 50 Days
As Trump's presidency approaches its 50th day, several key challenges loom. The administration must navigate potential market turbulence as tariffs take effect, address the possibility of a government shutdown, and manage international relationships, particularly regarding Ukraine and Russia.
The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the current market correction deepens into a more significant downturn or whether investors regain confidence in the economic outlook. The administration's ability to work effectively with Congress will also be tested as it seeks to implement its legislative agenda.
Trump's governing style has been marked by rapid executive actions and a readiness to embrace short-term disruption in pursuit of long-term objectives. Whether this approach will ultimately bolster or undermine the American economy and its international presence remains to be seen. Nevertheless, the shape of Trump's second term is becoming clear: assertive executive actions, economic nationalism, and a fundamental reconfiguration of the federal government's role and structure.