The initial hundred days of Donald Trump’s presidency represented a radical shift in policy and ideology, dramatically altering the foundation established by previous historical moments such as the New Deal and the Great Society. Moreover, he veered from the Reagan-era Republican norms of robust international alliances and open trade. These actions were designed to upend the established position of government in American society and the global role of the US. Implementing his vision required the skills of billionaire Elon Musk to deconstruct the federal workforce.
This reshaping of the nation’s economy operated largely through Trump’s executive power, circumnavigating the Republican-led Congress. Instruments like import tariffs became frequent tools in his economic playbook, imposed on our largest trade advocates, Mexico and Canada. Even goods imported from China faced an immense overall tariff of 145%. The introduction of these tariffs not only heightened the pressure on relationships with the European Union but also sent countries like Japan and South Korea into expedited negotiation sessions.
Despite substantial evidence indicating the US’s economic dominance, Trump maintained the narrative that American interests had been undermined by global trade practices. The President asserted his belief that these tariff regulations would stimulate domestic factory employment, fund a monumental income tax reduction that could surpass $5 trillion over a decade, offset the country’s $36 trillion national debt, and also establish a platform to renegotiate trade agreements to favor the United States.
However, these policies’ possible negative impact on American households is noteworthy, with assessments from Yale University’s Budget Lab projecting a reduction in disposable income by approximately $4,900 caused by these tariffs. Once in the presidency, Trump expressed a promise for ‘retribution’ which he worked towards implementing almost instantly, often targeting investigators and lawyers who posed challenges or objections.
One of Trump’s direct actions involved a concentrated attack on his critics from previous government positions, particularly those who voiced that the 2020 Presidential election was legitimately lost to Democrat Joe Biden. These attacks on perceived opposition were not limited to individuals but extended to institutions like Columbia University, which faced the withdrawal of $400 million in research grants and related funding due to its handling of protests tied to Israel’s military actions in Gaza. With the Trump administration’s pressure, the University acceded to their demands.
The University of Pennsylvania also found itself in the crosshairs of the administration, facing a suspension of $175 million in federal aid due to a controversy involving a transgender athlete who last competed in 2022. Not every institution caved to these pressures, as seen with Harvard University’s refusal to meet the demands of the Trump administration.
Risking compliance with the administration’s demands held tremendous financial stakes for institutions like Harvard, which had nearly $9 billion in governmental funding at risk. Instead of complying, they faced consequences in the freezing of grants and an investigation into the university’s tax-exempt status by the administration. The decisive actions of the Trump administration during its first hundred days represented a significant redirection of American policy and governance, from domestic legislation to international relations.
While many of these reshaping tactics were questioned by critics, they exemplify the bold decision-making that characterized Trump’s presidency. His approach to trading practices showed a departure from the traditionally-held Republican values, bringing radical changes to the economic narrative of the country.
In addressing the national debt and the domestic tax structure, Trump’s policies emphasized self-reliance and protectionism. However, these policies also inferred potential repercussions on American households, with a projected decrease in disposable income.
The legal and academic sectors were not spared from Trump’s ambitious changes. A clear pattern of retribution against his critics and adversaries was observed, which extended into federal funding for research and academic institutions.
Given these developments, the initial hundred days of Trump’s presidency painted a picture of decisive and radical changes aimed at shaking up traditional norms. This included revamping trade policies, economic strategies, and tackling perceived bias within the legal and academic circles.
Lastly, regardless of various institutional positions or renowned statuses, no entities seemed immune to the far-reaching impacts of these policies’ implementation. From Columbia University to Harvard, the administration’s influence extended into various sectors, symbolizing its comprehensive approach.
In summary, Trump’s initial hundred days in office portrayed a presidency characterized by radical changes and decisive actions. Despite potential criticism and possible negative impacts, these bold strategies sought to reshape the American economic narrative, restructure the role of government in daily life, and reinstill a distinct national direction with global implications.