Examining Trump’s First 100 Days Back in 2017

The inauguration of a United States president marks the beginning of a four-year term filled with exciting possibilities, challenges, and critical decisions. As President Donald J. Trump begins his second term, his first 100 days serve as a crucial barometer of what Americans can expect regarding governance, policy priorities, and executive leadership. 

Historically, the first 100 days of any presidency have been used to assess the administration’s effectiveness. This time is no different.

WeVote—a nonprofit, nonpartisan technology startup focused on enhancing voter engagement and civic participation—offers a comprehensive analysis of Trump’s first 100 days from his initial term that began on January 20, 2017 to provide context for his new presidency. By examining President Trump’s previous policies, promises, and challenges, we aim to help voters better understand what his second term’s beginning might entail.

Why the First 100 Days Matter

Historically, the first 100 days allow presidents to capitalize on the momentum of their election victory. Public and congressional support often peaks during this period, enabling leaders to push through ambitious policies and set the tone for their governance.

This timeline, popularized by Franklin D. Roosevelt’s administration, sets the stage for new policies and provides insight into the administration’s priorities. As part of the New Deal, Roosevelt’s unprecedented flurry of legislative activities during his first 100 days in 1933 forever cemented the significance of this early phase in presidential terms. This period is now regarded as a benchmark for assessing the direction and efficacy of new administrations.

Highlights from Trump’s First 100 Days During His First Term

In 2017, Trump’s first 100 days were marked by a prolific use of executive orders, underscoring his promise to take immediate action. Among the most notable were:

Executive Order 13769: The Travel Ban

Just a week after taking office, President Trump signed an executive order that effectively banned citizens from seven Muslim-majority countries (i.e., Iraq, Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen) from entering the U.S. for 90 days. 

Trump’s administration framed the travel ban as a necessary measure to improve vetting processes and protect the U.S. from terrorism, particularly from individuals who might have connections to international organizations such as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). While intended to enhance national security, the order sparked multiple protests nationwide and faced various legal challenges before being revised.

Executive Order 13771: Two-for-One Rule

During his first term, Trump’s administration eliminated numerous federal regulations, particularly those impacting commerce. For instance, he signed an executive order requiring agencies to cut two regulations for every new one being implemented.

These executive actions showcased Trump’s preference for direct intervention and highlighted his administration’s polarizing impact. Supporters lauded these decisive actions, while critics argued they exacerbated divisions and undermined democratic norms.

President Trump’s Legislative Efforts and Challenges

Although the Republican Party controlled both chambers of Congress, passing significant legislation proved challenging during Trump’s first 100 days. This was especially evident in health care reform, where long-standing ideological divisions and competing priorities among Republican lawmakers complicated efforts to unify behind a single plan.

The American Health Care Act (AHCA)

Trump’s attempt to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA), colloquially known as Obamacare, with the AHCA faltered in Congress, exposing deep divisions within the Republican Party.

Prominent Republican lawmakers introduced the American Health Care Act, which aimed to eliminate the ACA’s individual mandate, reduce Medicaid expansion, and roll back numerous protections for individuals with pre-existing conditions. The bill passed the House of Representatives but ultimately failed in the Senate after several moderate Republican senators voted against it. 

President Trump’s Foreign Policy Moves During First 100 Days

Withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP)

On January 23, 2017, just a few days after taking office, President Trump signed an executive order withdrawing the U.S. from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), a major trade deal involving 12 countries in the Asia-Pacific region, signaling a shift toward his “America First” protectionist trade policies.

In his withdrawal speech, Trump argued that the TPP would result in American job losses and place unfair trade practices on the U.S. He emphasized the need to renegotiate bilateral trade deals that were more beneficial to the U.S.

Missile Strikes in Syria

In response to a chemical weapons attack made by the former Bashar al-Assad government, Trump ordered a targeted missile strike against the Al-Shayrat Air Base in Homs Province. This action demonstrated a willingness to use military force while introducing unpredictability to U.S. foreign policy.

Going against his non-interventionist rhetoric from the 2016 presidential campaign trail, Trump justified the strike as a necessary response against Syria’s use of sarin gas weapons, which he called a violation of international law and a threat to global security.

Conservative Judicial Appointment in Trump’s First Term

One of the major accomplishments during President Trump’s first 100 days in office was the swift and impactful movement to affirm conservative judicial appointments. These appointments were critical because they would have long-term implications for U.S. laws, especially on issues like abortion, gun rights, government regulation, and executive powers.

A high-profile judicial appointment during Trump’s first 100 days was the nomination of Neil Gorsuch, a federal appellate judge for the 10th Circuit, to the U.S. Supreme Court on January 31, 2017. This appointment underscored Trump’s commitment to reshaping the judiciary and energizing conservative voters.

Impact on the Judicial Confirmation Process

Most importantly, Trump’s judicial appointments also had a lasting impact on the confirmation process. The swift confirmations of conservative judges using the Senate’s nuclear option set a precedent for future administrations, especially on how partisan battles over judicial appointments would unfold.

What to Expect During Trump’s Second First 100 Days?

When Donald Trump returns to the presidency, his first 100 days will likely be defined by policy reaffirmations that dominated his first term, with adjustments for the current economic and political landscape. 

Immigration

Trump could renew efforts to strengthen border security and enforce tougher immigration laws. This could include reviving his border wall project, which he championed during his first term. He aims to finish or expand the barrier along the southern U.S. border with México. 

In addition, Trump’s administration was known for limiting refugee admissions and asylum seekers. A second term could see further restrictions, with potential court battles over the legality of these changes.

Tax Policy

During his first term in 2017, the Trump administration passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which lowered corporate tax rates and reduced individual income taxes. In his second term, he might seek to expand tax cuts even further, particularly for large corporations, which may stimulate economic growth. Given the inflationary pressures and global economic uncertainty, Trump could argue that more tax cuts would incentivize investment, create jobs, and boost American competitiveness globally.

Energy Deregulation

President Trump may push back the previous administration’s environmental regulations that constrain the fossil fuel industry, including restrictions on coal production, offshore drilling, and natural gas exploration. His administration will likely prioritize dismantling regulations that impede oil and gas drilling on public lands, making it easier for companies to tap into domestic resources.

Economic Uncertainty

The U.S. economy faces high inflation, supply chain disruptions, and the potential threat of a global recession. Trump would likely emphasize economic nationalism, reshoring manufacturing jobs, encouraging businesses to invest in the U.S., and pushing for a more protectionist trade policy. This could involve imposing tariffs on foreign goods from Canada, China, and México, offering subsidies for domestic industries, and implementing other approaches to make the U.S. more self-sufficient in critical sectors like semiconductors and pharmaceuticals.

Global Relations

Trump’s second term might focus on reducing U.S. entanglements in global conflicts while still asserting U.S. hegemony in international affairs. The Russian invasion of Ukraine could be an area where Trump takes a different approach from his predecessor. He could advocate for negotiations or reduce U.S. military aid to Ukraine. He could also reconsider the U.S. financial obligations in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the U.S. military presence in Europe, focusing on cost-sharing agreements with several European nations.

How This Affects Voter Engagement

The first 100 days of a presidency offer voters a critical opportunity to assess the administration’s trajectory and hold our leaders accountable.

Staying Informed

Follow credible sources to track executive orders, legislative proposals, and foreign policy developments. WeVote’s platform provides comprehensive resources to help voters research:

• Trump’s policies and their potential impacts.
• Congressional voting records and key decision-makers.
• Upcoming legislative and electoral milestones.

Engaging in Civic Dialogue

One of the most crucial aspects of a healthy democracy is our ability to engage in civic dialogue, where people from diverse backgrounds, political affiliations, and viewpoints can exchange ideas, share perspectives, and collaborate to address societal challenges. 

Constructive conversations about President Trump’s first 100 days—or any significant political event—are powerful tools for fostering greater understanding and reducing polarization. The climate of divisiveness that often surrounds political discussions can be mitigated by engaging in dialogue that prioritizes open-mindedness, active listening, and respect for differing opinions.

Preparing for the Next Election

Voter turnout often depends on awareness and motivation. By understanding Trump’s initial actions, we can make informed decisions about our engagement in future midterm and local elections.

Conclusion

Therefore, analyzing Trump’s first 100 days of his first term provides invaluable insights into his governing philosophy and policy priorities during his second term. For voters, this period is crucial to observe, evaluate, and participate actively in the democratic process.

WeVote’s mission is to empower voters with the tools they need to stay informed and engaged. As Trump’s first 100 days begin, we encourage everyone to use this time to deepen their understanding of government actions and their broader implications. Let’s make democracy work for everyone.