President Trump's second term began with a rapid implementation of his policy agenda. While employing executive actions extensively, the pace of change, particularly in the economy, foreign policy, and immigration, has been dramatic. This swift approach, however, has met with mixed success, reflected in his low approval rating.
Despite his rapid pace, Trump has faced internal frustrations. His team's struggles to meet his expectations on issues like deportations and foreign deals were highlighted. Internal White House chaos, including screaming matches and staff purges, also reappeared mirroring the first term. Budget cuts overseen by Elon Musk, a billionaire campaign donor, while substantial initially projected, fell significantly short of initial goals.
Trump has placed considerable emphasis on foreign policy, viewing it as a defining aspect of his legacy. Notable figures in his administration include Steve Witkoff, conducting high-stakes negotiations with Russia and Iran, and Mike Waltz, the national security advisor who faced scrutiny over a Signal chat controversy. Trump's personal involvement in foreign policy has been highly visible.
Trump has expressed frustration over the lack of progress in resolving the Ukraine war and trade talks with China. He believes that both Putin and China are stalling, complicating his aim for quick resolutions, despite expectations within his administration for demonstrable progress by the 100-day mark.
The 100-day mark reveals a mixed bag for the Trump administration. While significant policy changes have occurred, challenges remain, including internal discord, low approval ratings, and setbacks in foreign policy goals. His administration emphasizes that they remain focused on the president's core campaign promises despite low approval ratings. Concerns exist that his influence will wane as the 2026 midterms approach.