The First 100 Days: Setting the Tone of a Presidency

The First 100 Days: Setting the Tone of a Presidency

In American political tradition, the first 100 days of a presidency are seen as a key window for setting the tone and pace of a new administration. When Donald J. Trump assumed office on January 20, 2017, his entry was anything but conventional. A businessman and television personality with no prior political experience, Trump’s early days in office were marked by executive orders, intense media coverage, legal battles, and a deeply divided public.

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Executive Orders and Policy Moves

Within hours of taking office, Trump began signing executive orders, delivering on campaign promises to quickly reshape policy.

• Travel Ban: One of the most controversial actions was Executive Order 13769, commonly known as the "travel ban," which barred entry from seven predominantly Muslim countries. This order led to nationwide protests and multiple legal challenges, eventually being revised and upheld in a limited form by the Supreme Court.

• Affordable Care Act Repeal Attempt: Trump and the Republican-led Congress attempted to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA). While initial efforts failed, the attempt highlighted healthcare as a central and divisive issue.

• Regulatory Rollback: Trump initiated a broad deregulation campaign, including directives to eliminate two regulations for every new one introduced.

• Withdrawal from TPP: He formally withdrew the U.S. from the Trans-Pacific Partnership, signaling a shift toward economic nationalism.

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Immigration and Border Policies

A central pillar of Trump’s campaign was immigration reform. During the first 100 days, efforts intensified:

• Border Wall: Trump signed an executive order to begin the construction of a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, although funding and progress would later become contentious points in his presidency.

• Increased ICE Raids: Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) significantly ramped up deportation efforts.

These actions were praised by supporters as steps toward securing America’s borders but criticized by opponents for promoting xenophobia and disrupting immigrant communities.

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The Media and the “Fake News” Era

Trump’s adversarial relationship with the mainstream media was already clear during his campaign, but it became even more prominent in his first 100 days. He frequently labeled critical outlets such as CNN, The New York Times, and The Washington Post as “fake news.”

• Press Briefings: The administration restricted traditional press briefings and promoted alternative media.

• Twitter Usage: Trump’s unfiltered use of Twitter became a hallmark of his presidency, bypassing traditional media to communicate directly with the public.

This communication strategy allowed Trump to energize his base but further polarized public discourse.

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Public Opinion and Approval Ratings

Historically, presidents enjoy a honeymoon period of high approval ratings in their early months. Trump was an exception. According to Gallup, his approval rating hovered around 41% by the end of his first 100 days—the lowest of any post-World War II president at that stage.

• Polarization: His approval split sharply along partisan lines, with strong Republican support and almost unanimous Democratic opposition.

• Global Reaction: Trump’s early moves were met with concern by many global allies, particularly in Europe, while some populist leaders welcomed his approach.

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Legislative Gridlock

Despite holding the White House and both chambers of Congress, Trump faced difficulties advancing major legislation. The failure to repeal the ACA exposed divisions within the Republican Party, particularly between moderate Republicans and the more conservative Freedom Caucus.

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Conclusion: A Precedent-Shattering Introduction

Donald Trump’s first 100 days in office shattered norms and redefined presidential behavior in the digital age. His administration focused on swift policy shifts, particularly through executive action, while battling legal and political resistance. Whether viewed as bold and transformative or chaotic and divisive, these early days left a profound mark on the political landscape and set the tone for a presidency unlike any other in modern U.S. history.

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Sources:

• Gallup Polls, 2017

• The New York Times, "Trump’s First 100 Days: What He Accomplished"

• BBC News, "Trump’s Travel Ban Explained"

• Pew Research Center, "Public Opinion on Trump's Early Presidency"

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Keywords: Donald Trump first 100 days, Trump executive orders, Trump travel ban, US immigration policy 2017, Trump media relations, ACA repeal attempt, Trump approval ratings, early Trump presidency