Donald Trump on Tuesday marked the first 100 days of what is already being described as one of the most radical and far-reaching presidencies in United States history, even as opinion polls show Americans growing increasingly uneasy with the economic and political upheaval.
The 47th president is commemorating the milestone in his usual combative style, staging a rally in the swing state of Michigan — a key battleground he secured in November by defeating Kamala Harris.
Trump has dramatically reshaped the US political landscape. Billionaire ally Elon Musk has led a sweeping reduction in the federal workforce, while the president has redrawn global relations through sweeping tariffs, criticism of long-standing allies, and slashing foreign aid budgets.
A poll published on Sunday by The Washington Post and ABC News showed only 39% of Americans approve of Trump’s performance so far, indicating that the traditional “honeymoon period” for new presidents has swiftly evaporated.
The survey also found net disapproval on immigration — previously a strength — as public backlash grows against mass deportations carried out without due process.
Trump dismissed the polling as “fake” on his Truth Social platform, claiming: “We are doing GREAT, better than ever before.”
Despite this public defiance, Trump has made subtle concessions, especially as stock market instability begins to bite. Wall Street, down over six percent since his inauguration, saw a modest rebound on Tuesday following reports that he may ease tariffs affecting car manufacturers.
He also reversed course on removing Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, who has warned that aggressive tariff policies could stoke inflation.
‘Having a lot of fun’
This term, Trump has surrounded himself with loyalists, a stark contrast to his first presidency (2017–2021), during which aides frequently attempted to moderate his decisions. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth marked the 100-day milestone by unveiling a commemorative Mount Rushmore miniature featuring Trump’s likeness.
“The first time, I had two jobs — running the country and surviving all the crooked people,” Trump said in an interview with The Atlantic. “Now I’m running the country and the world. And I’m having a lot of fun.”
Since taking office on January 20, Trump has wasted no time pursuing political retribution. A portrait of Barack Obama has been removed from a prime location in the White House to make way for a painting of Trump surviving an assassination attempt.
He has also applied pressure to law firms previously involved in litigation against him by threatening to cut off federal contracts, and frozen billions of dollars earmarked for universities — frequent critics of his administration.
Testing the Limits
Rather than broaden his appeal, Trump has focused on energising his core supporters. Many remain loyal, despite growing economic concerns.
“I’m very satisfied with what he’s done so far,” said Frank Tuoti, a 72-year-old retired machinist from New Hampshire. “Though I am a bit worried about the economic instability caused by tariffs.”
The opposition Democratic Party has seized on this unease. “Trump is to blame for rising costs, retirement insecurity, and an impending ‘Trump recession’,” the Democratic National Committee said, calling his first 100 days a “colossal failure.”
Even with slim Republican control of Congress, Trump has tested the boundaries of executive power, signing over 140 executive orders — many now facing legal challenges.
He has attempted to abolish birthright citizenship, a right enshrined in the US Constitution, and Musk has unilaterally cancelled billions in congressionally-approved spending.
Meanwhile, Trump’s promise to end the war in Ukraine within 24 hours remains unfulfilled, with Russia rejecting a broad ceasefire proposal. When reminded of this pledge in a Time magazine interview, Trump responded, “Obviously, people know that when I said that, it was said in jest.”