Donald Trump’s second term has been completely different from his first. From immigration reform and executive orders to shifting economic tides, President Biden’s first 100 days have not been without vehement praise and condemnation. This article reflects on the most important breakthroughs from that period. From it, you can see some pretty impressive numbers and movement in public opinion.
Immigration and Executive Orders
This has been most shocking during Trump’s second term, in which there has been a huge escalation of immigration arrests. In February, ICE arrests were the highest they’ve been in seven years. This surge reflects the administration’s intensified focus on immigration enforcement, a cornerstone of Trump’s policy agenda.
While anti-immigrant measures have certainly been a hallmark of Trump’s presidency, he has been quite the executive order signing machine. In his first 100 days in office, he signed 141 executive orders—by far the most of any previous president. This number is almost double that of Joe Biden, who signed just 42 in the same amount of time. Trump’s aggressive use of executive power has been both championed and lamented for allowing the president to impose his agenda quickly.
Public Approval and Economic Changes
Are Democrats ready to capitalize now that public sentiment towards Trump has changed dramatically already over the first 100 days of his still nascent second term? His job approval rating started strong at 59% but has since reversed into a negative rating as the weeks wore on. This dive indicates a growing disengagement and discontent among the voting public during a time of significant policy choice and national tumult.
Economic impacts have changed the game Getting to today, further complicating public perception, has been a strong economic influence. This was especially the case during 2024, when egg prices increased dramatically, triggering alarm about rising inflation and threats to food security. These escalating expenditures have hit nearly every American household hard, increasing the pressure on the administration to focus on economic stability.
Environmental Policies and Pardons
As under Trump’s administration, environmental policies have remained a bipartisan sticking point. At the end of his term, projections showed that lifetime emissions would go up. In direct opposition, Joe Biden’s administration is projecting a decrease in emissions. This gap is emblematic of the starkly different priorities between the two administrations on tackling climate change and rolling back harmful environmental regulations.
In a notable move, around 1,500 individuals were pardoned for crimes related to the January 6 insurrection during Trump’s first 100 days. This controversial decision has sparked conversations about accountability and the importance of justice, deepening the divide on his leadership.