It’s been 100 days since Donald Trump took office, and the impact of his presidency has been profound. With over 60 executive orders signed since January 20, the US president has expanded his domain in unprecedented ways. Many of these measures have challenged the fundamental leg of American democracy – the separation of powers. For instance, Trump has forced the Department of Justice to withdraw corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams, leading to the resignation of several department officials in protest. This move has raised eyebrows, with many questioning the motivation behind such actions.
The Trump administration has also launched a crackdown on undocumented immigrants, cutting federal funds for organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. This has resulted in a significant increase in the number of immigration agents, with nearly 40,000 people arrested by January 25. Furthermore, the administration’s stance on mass deportations has sparked widespread controversy, with many arguing that such policies are inhumane and violate basic human rights.
Departmental Overhauls and Cutbacks
The past 100 days have seen significant changes within key government departments. The Federal Aviation Administration, for example, has lost 67 staff members, while the department responsible for the country’s nuclear arsenal has seen 300 workers dismissed. Although some of these employees were later reinstated, the move has raised concerns about the potential consequences of such actions. The department’s $25 billion annual budget and 57,000 employees make it a critical component of national security.
The driving force behind these changes is billionaire Elon Musk, who has been tasked with optimizing the public worksheet. Musk’s proposal to reduce the number of officials serving the country has been met with criticism, with some arguing that it concentrates too much power in the hands of a single individual. Citizens have also complained about the excessive power delegated to Musk, pointing out that he was not elected in the November elections.
Popularity and Policy Outcomes
Despite the controversy surrounding his policies, Trump’s popularity index stands at 53%, according to a CBS News and YouGov survey. The significant decrease in undocumented migrant crossings at the southern border – down 85% in the first 11 days of his mandate – has been touted as a major success. However, this outcome has come at a cost, with many arguing that the administration’s heavy-handed approach has undermined the country’s values and relationships with its territorial neighbors.
International Relations and Trade
Trump’s aggressive trade policies, including the imposition of 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican products, have strained relationships with neighboring countries. The additional 10% tariff on Chinese merchandise has further complicated global trade dynamics. The administration’s stance on border security has also led to a significant buildup of immigration agents and a wide-reaching effort to prevent the entry of asylum applicants.
In a move that has raised eyebrows, Trump has decided to negotiate a peace deal in Ukraine without involving the invaded country. Moreover, his decision to expel the Palestinian people from the Gaza Strip and turn the area into a “Middle East” region has been met with widespread criticism from Western allies. As Trump continues to forge his own path, both domestically and internationally, it remains to be seen how his policies will shape the future of the United States and its relationships with the rest of the world.