In the first hundred days of his second term, Donald Trump launched an unprecedented campaign to reshape the United States, wielding presidential powers on a scale never seen before.
Through a flurry of executive orders, social media announcements, and hardline political moves, Trump has altered nearly every aspect of American life. His supporters see this as the fulfillment of campaign promises, while critics fear it could undermine the foundations of democracy.
The transformation of the courts and Congress
Trump and his team have challenged the traditional balance of power: Congress is losing its control over finances, and the courts are being stripped of their ability to block presidential initiatives. More than a hundred court rulings have already halted actions by the White House, but the administration continues to push for an expansion of executive authority.
“Bureaucracy needs a chainsaw”
Under the leadership of Elon Musk, appointed head of the new “Department of Government Efficiency,” the White House has aggressively slashed funding for agencies and programs. Massive layoffs have hit USAID and the Department of Education, sparking protests even among some of Trump’s supporters.
Economy under pressure
The introduction of new tariffs as part of “Liberation Day” has battered the stock market: the S&P 500 plunged, mortgage rates are rising, and unemployment is ticking upward. Experts warn of a looming recession, despite Trump’s promises to revive industry and lower prices.
Immigration policy
Tough measures against illegal immigration have been welcomed by most Americans but have also led to the detention of students and permanent residents for participating in protests. According to civil rights advocates, some deportees have been expelled without proper legal process.
Impact on universities and the media
Trump has waged a campaign against universities, accusing them of failing to combat antisemitism and promoting “liberal indoctrination.” Harvard University has filed a lawsuit against the administration over the freezing of federal grants. Meanwhile, the White House has applied pressure on major media outlets and law firms by leveraging access to federal contracts.
Elimination of diversity programs
The president ordered the termination of diversity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in government agencies and private companies. This decision has led to unexpected consequences, such as the removal of references to Black and female service members from Arlington National Cemetery’s website.
Although many of Trump’s changes could be reversed by future presidents without congressional backing, the coming months will be crucial in determining how much of his agenda will endure.
