Trump’s first 100 days: lots of fear, chaos, and abuse of power | U.S. | EL PAÍS English

Trump's First 100 Days: A Summary

Donald Trump's second term began with a radical agenda and a long list of enemies. He won the 2024 election with a narrow popular vote victory but a significant Electoral College lead. His party controlled Congress, and the Supreme Court held a conservative majority.

Key Actions and Policies

• Executive Orders: Trump issued approximately 140 executive orders, many of questionable constitutionality, pushing the boundaries of presidential authority.
• Immigration Crackdown: A harsh immigration policy, characterized by fear tactics, deportations, and a disregard for due process, marked his early days in office. The deportation of Venezuelans to a maximum-security prison in El Salvador, even those with legal protection, exemplifies this.
• Trade War: An erratic trade war, implemented primarily through executive orders and social media pronouncements, crippled the US economy and impacted the global economy. This has created uncertainty and tension with international partners.
• Foreign Policy: His foreign policy was marked by alignment with Russia, questioning of alliances (e.g., NATO), and imperialist overtures. His comments on annexing Canada and taking over the Gaza Strip are examples of this.
• Elon Musk's Influence: Elon Musk's involvement resulted in widespread government layoffs and regulatory changes, creating controversy.

Public Perception and Response

Public opinion polls indicated that Trump's first 100 days were perceived as chaotic, scary, and exciting. His approval rating was historically low. Opposition emerged from judges, particularly in immigration cases, and financial markets, who pushed back against his economic policies.

Conclusion

Trump's first 100 days were marked by a concentration of power, disregard for democratic norms, and a chaotic approach to policy-making, prompting fears of authoritarianism and a constitutional crisis. The long-term effects of his actions remain to be seen.