In his first 100 days back in the White House, President Donald Trump has executed a sweeping and controversial overhaul of American policy and governance. Since his inauguration on January 20, 2025, Trump has issued a record-breaking number of executive orders, escalated trade wars with key global partners, and redefined the role of the executive branch, according to the Financial Times and corroborated by multiple major news outlets. This rapid remaking of the federal government has drawn both praise from supporters and alarm from critics, as the administration’s actions reverberate through domestic institutions and international markets.
A Flurry of Executive Orders Redefines Presidential Power
An unprecedented surge in executive actions has marked Trump’s return to office. In his first 100 days, he signed more than 135 executive orders, far surpassing the 33 he issued in the same period during his first term and eclipsing Franklin D. Roosevelt’s previous record of 99. This aggressive use of executive authority signals a deliberate shift of power away from Congress and toward the presidency. Experts say this trend could set a precedent for future administrations, as the executive branch increasingly takes on legislative responsibilities.
"Trump has a distinct agenda he aims to pursue in this term," said James Broughel, a fellow at the Competitive Enterprise Institute, in an interview with Yahoo News. "A significant portion of power within the federal government now resides in the executive branch, indicating that the president can enact a broad agenda through executive actions. I would anticipate that future presidents will likely emulate this approach. "
This flurry of orders has placed unprecedented strain on the judicial system, with over 150 lawsuits filed against Trump’s actions in just three months. High-profile cases include challenges to the termination of birthright citizenship and the prohibition of transgender individuals from military service, both of which are currently on hold.
"This situation complicates matters for the judicial branch, stretching courts to their limits and necessitating rapid responses, which hampers the judicial process," said legal analyst Berry, as reported by Yahoo News.
Tariffs, Retaliation, and Economic Fallout
One of the hallmarks of Trump’s second term has been a dramatic escalation of trade conflicts. Between January and April 2025, the average effective U.S. tariff rate increased from 2.5% to an estimated 27%, the highest level in over a century. On April 2, dubbed “Liberation Day” by Trump, the administration announced a minimum 10% tariff on all U.S. imports, effective April 5, with higher tariffs on goods from 57 countries. These so-called “reciprocal tariffs” were justified by the administration as necessary to address trade deficits and protect domestic manufacturing; however, economists widely criticized the rationale as misguided.
The administration’s trade war with China intensified, with baseline tariffs on Chinese imports raised to 145%. China retaliated by imposing a minimum tariff of 125% on U.S. goods and restricting the export of rare earth elements, which are critical to high-tech industries. Trump also initiated new trade conflicts with Canada and Mexico, imposing 25% tariffs on most goods from both countries; however, exemptions were later granted for goods compliant with the USMCA.
The economic consequences were immediate and severe. The announcement of the tariffs triggered a sharp stock market crash and led the Federal Reserve and the OECD to downgrade U.S. GDP growth projections, warning of a rising risk of recession.
“His erratic trade policy has crippled the economy and triggered a crisis of global proportions,” reported El País, reflecting widespread concern among international observers.
Secondary Tariffs and the End of De Minimis
Trump’s trade strategy introduced the concept of “secondary tariffs,” which penalize third-party countries or entities that trade with targeted nations, such as Venezuela, Russia, and Iran. For example, a 25% tariff was imposed on nations purchasing oil from Venezuela, with similar threats made regarding Russian and Iranian trade partners. These measures, which resemble secondary sanctions, have further complicated global trade relationships and drawn criticism from allies.
The administration also targeted the “de minimis” exemption, a customs provision that allowed low-value packages to enter the U.S. with minimal inspection or taxation. Trump’s orders initially closed the exemption for China, Mexico, and Canada, citing concerns about drug trafficking and abuse by Chinese e-commerce companies like Shein and AliExpress. After a temporary reopening to avoid overwhelming customs officials, the exemption was again closed for China and Hong Kong, with new duties of up to 120% of shipment value or $100 per package, rising to $200 after June.
Immigration, National Security, and Cultural Shifts
Immigration policy has been another area of rapid change. Within his first 100 days, Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border, mobilized military resources, and ended the CBP One application that allowed migrants to schedule appointments at the border. He issued an executive order to end birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants, a move now pending before the Supreme Court due to constitutional challenges.
Trump’s approach to immigration has included mass deportations and the use of federal agencies to detain and expel immigrants, sometimes without due process. According to TIME, some deportees have been sent to foreign countries under a wartime provision dating back to the 18th century. In contrast, foreign students have had their visas revoked for speech deemed objectionable by the administration.
Institutional Upheaval and Domestic Impact
The Trump administration’s actions have not been limited to trade and immigration. The president has gutted large portions of the civil service, removing more than 100,000 federal workers, and has launched investigations of political opponents using the Justice Department. He has issued executive orders forbidding federal funding for Smithsonian programs that promote “divisive concepts,” reflecting a broader campaign to reshape American cultural and historical narratives.
According to the BBC, critics argue that Trump’s expansion of executive power and disregard for judicial and legislative checks threaten the foundational structure of American democracy. A controversial tweet by Vice President JD Vance, asserting the primacy of executive power, ignited a constitutional uproar and drew widespread condemnation from legal experts.
“Courts possess the authority to review and invalidate any government actions… that they find unconstitutional,” legal scholars reminded the public, as reported by the BBC.
Public Reaction: Approval, Anxiety, and Uncertainty
Public opinion on Trump’s first 100 days is sharply divided. According to a New York Times poll cited by El País, 66% of voters described the period as “chaotic,” 59% as “scary,” and 42% as “exciting.” Trump’s approval rating stands at 45%, the lowest first-quarter rating since World War II, except for his first term in office. Supporters praise his boldness and commitment to campaign promises, while opponents warn of irreversible damage to democratic institutions and global stability.
Legal Challenges and the Road Ahead
The surge of executive orders has overwhelmed the judicial system, with more than 150 lawsuits filed against the administration’s actions in just three months. Many of these cases, including those challenging the end of birthright citizenship and restrictions on transgender military service, remain unresolved. Legal analysts predict that the pace of executive orders will slow as the administration exhausts its pre-planned actions and faces mounting legal resistance.
“I expect that they will run out certainly by end of first year if not within the next few months, and any subsequent orders will likely be reactive,” Berry told Yahoo News.
Global Repercussions and Diplomatic Strains
Trump’s aggressive trade policies and unilateral actions have strained relationships with traditional allies and unsettled global markets. The Financial Times’ “Trump Tracker” and White House Watch Newsletter have documented the rapid escalation of tariffs and the administration’s warnings of a looming trade conflict, underscoring the far-reaching implications for Washington, the business sector, and the global landscape.
Conclusion: A Nation at a Crossroads
President Trump’s first 100 days of his second term have been among the most consequential and controversial in modern American history. Through a record-setting wave of executive orders, sweeping trade wars, and aggressive immigration enforcement, Trump has sought to fulfill his campaign promises and reshape the federal government. The long-term impact of these changes remains uncertain, as legal challenges mount and the nation grapples with the consequences of rapid, unilateral action. As the administration moves forward, the balance of power among the branches of government, the stability of the global economy, and the resilience of American democracy will remain at the center of national and international scrutiny.