As President Donald Trump concludes the first 100 days of his second term, his administration has embarked on an aggressive agenda marked by sweeping executive actions, assertive immigration enforcement, and significant shifts in trade and energy policies. While supporters laud these moves as decisive leadership, critics argue they have led to economic instability and institutional upheaval.
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Executive Orders and Deregulation
President Trump has signed 142 executive orders in his first 100 days, surpassing the previous record held by Franklin D. Roosevelt . These orders encompass a range of actions, including dismantling environmental regulations, restructuring federal agencies, and imposing tariffs on foreign goods.
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Immigration Enforcement
The administration has intensified immigration enforcement, with nearly 66,000 deportations carried out in the first 100 days . A new program offers $1,000 to undocumented immigrants who voluntarily self-deport, aiming to reduce costs associated with detention and legal proceedings.
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Economic Policies and Trade
Trump’s economic policies have included imposing a 10% base tariff on imports, with Chinese goods facing a 145% rate . These measures have led to increased costs for businesses and consumers, contributing to a 0.3% contraction in the U.S. economy during the first quarter of 2025 .
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Foreign Policy and National Security
In foreign affairs, President Trump has taken unconventional stances, including threatening to annex Canada and occupy Greenland . He has also criticized NATO allies and suggested the U.S. may not honor collective defense commitments, raising concerns among international partners.
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Institutional Changes and Academic Freedom
The administration has halted federal research funding to Harvard University, citing the institution’s response to campus protests and alleged legal violations . This move has sparked debates over academic freedom and the role of federal oversight in higher education.
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Public Response and Approval Ratings
Public opinion on President Trump’s first 100 days is divided. Supporters praise his decisive actions and commitment to campaign promises, while critics point to economic downturns and concerns over democratic norms. Polls indicate that 60% of Americans believe Trump’s policies have increased their cost of living .
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As the administration moves forward, the long-term impacts of these early decisions will continue to unfold, shaping the nation’s political and economic landscape.
President Trump Touts America’s Comeback in Primetime ABC Interview
In a bold primetime interview with ABC, President Donald J. Trump delivered a sweeping review of his first 100 days in office, emphasizing the nation’s resurgence under his leadership while directly challenging media narratives and political opponents.
Key Moments from the Interview:
• Border Security as Top Achievement:
President Trump identified border control as the most significant success of his first 100 days. “The border is the most significant because our country was really going bad… Now, it’s totally shut down. Nobody thought that could happen — and it happened quickly,” he said, citing a dramatic drop in illegal crossings.
• Taking on Media Bias:
The President accused mainstream media of ignoring former President Biden’s struggles. “We had a president who couldn’t walk up or down stairs or cross a stage without falling — and the media refused to report it. ABC was one of the worst,” Trump said, calling out the network directly.
• Summing Up His Mission:
Trump offered a clear message about his leadership: “I’m doing one thing: I’m Making America Great Again. Our country suffered greatly — and now it’s coming back like nobody can believe.”
• Economic Improvement:
Addressing inflation, President Trump claimed early signs of recovery: “Grocery prices are coming down. Energy prices are coming down. We’re starting to turn the corner.”
• Criminal Immigration Enforcement:
Trump fact-checked the interviewer on the deportation of MS-13 member Kilmar Abrego Garcia. “This wasn’t a ‘gentleman from Maryland’ — this was a violent gang member. He came into our country illegally. We’re getting people like that out.”
• Trade and National Prosperity:
Revisiting his campaign promise to protect American trade interests, Trump said, “We’ve been abused by other countries for decades. I could’ve ignored it and watched the system collapse — but I chose to fix it.”
• Protecting the Homeland:
He reiterated his stance on mass immigration, saying, “They allowed 21 million people to pour into our country. Many are criminals. We’re getting them out — that’s what I was elected to do.”
• On Ukraine and Peace:
Discussing his recent meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Vatican, Trump reflected, “It was a moment of solemnity. So many lives lost — and it’s a war that would’ve never happened if I were president.”
• Government Spending Reform:
Trump praised his administration’s cost-saving measures: “We saved $150 billion — and uncovered massive waste, fraud, and abuse. There’s more we can do, but we’re already cutting unnecessary spending.”
• On Vaccination:
When asked about the measles vaccine, Trump clarified, “I recommend it. But do I mandate it? No.”
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President Trump’s ABC interview served as a forceful defense of his early presidency and a preview of what his administration aims to achieve next. Whether praised or criticized, his first 100 days have undoubtedly reshaped the national conversation.
