In 2016, Donald Trump’s unexpected victory as President-elect shocked many, triggering widespread protests and opposition across the U.S. At that time, he was a relatively new political figure, and his rise to power was seen as improbable. However, nearly a decade later, Trump’s presence in American politics is far less surprising, as he has become a major figure. His allies have spent the last four years planning his return to the presidency, and it seems that Trump is poised for a strong start in his second term.
With stronger intraparty cooperation and his experience as a former president, Trump is likely to push forward with ambitious plans in his first 100 days. This contrasts with his initial term in 2016 when he emerged as the unexpected Republican nominee. Now, he has a full network of political and business allies, many of whom are aligning with his objectives even before he takes office. Political scientist Brandon Rottinghaus notes that the level of preparation is a stark departure from Trump’s first term.
The concept of evaluating a president’s first 100 days stems from President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s fast-paced start in 1933. The idea is that the first 100 days offer a snapshot of a president’s agenda and ability to push through legislation. In today’s fast-paced political climate, these early days are considered more critical than ever, as voters expect results quickly.
Trump’s first term saw immediate, headline-grabbing actions, including the controversial travel ban from Muslim-majority countries. His successor, Joe Biden, reversed many of Trump’s policies during his first 100 days, including the travel ban, and passed a major legislative package addressing the pandemic’s impact.
Now, as Trump enters his second term, he is expected to take swift action with over 100 executive orders on his first day. These are likely to include measures on immigration, energy, education, and culture wars, all designed to appeal to his base. Some of these actions will likely face legal challenges, but they will energize his supporters.
Public opinion surrounding Trump’s second term is mixed but shows notable enthusiasm among Republicans, many of whom feel optimistic about his policies. In contrast, Democrats are largely skeptical, and independents show a slight increase in optimism compared to 2017. Trump’s supporters, particularly within the Republican Party, are eager for him to focus on key issues like the economy and immigration.
Economic concerns, especially rising costs, were central to Trump’s appeal in the 2024 election. Trump has promised to tackle these issues aggressively, including through energy policies aimed at lowering gas prices and implementing tax cuts. However, there is skepticism among economists regarding the feasibility of these measures.
Immigration remains a key issue for Trump’s supporters, who expect him to deliver on promises like reinstating travel bans and deporting undocumented immigrants. These actions will resonate with his base, especially as immigration is seen as a major political flashpoint. Trump has also promised to make decisive moves on culture war issues, which continue to be central to his appeal.
Despite this fervor, Trump faces significant challenges, particularly regarding his controversial stance on democratic norms. His threats of retribution against political enemies and efforts to expand executive power have raised concerns about the future of American democracy. Public opinion is divided, with many Americans worried about these developments, particularly as Trump promises to reshape the federal workforce and grant pardons to those involved in the January 6th insurrection.
Expectations for Trump’s ability to unify the country are low, with most Americans doubting that he can heal political divisions. His second term will likely continue to be divisive, with only a third of the public believing he can bridge the political divide.
Ultimately, the first 100 days will offer a glimpse into Trump’s second term, but the full impact of his presidency will unfold over time. His influence on the nation will undoubtedly be profound, and with a united Republican Congress, his actions in the early days of his second term could shape the course of his presidency for years to come.
