Tuesday marks a significant milestone in President Trump’s second term, as he completes his first 100 days in office. During this time, Trump has taken bold steps on various issues, including diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, addressing antisemitism on college campuses, and attempting to reform the Pentagon’s operations. He has also launched a government initiative called DOGE, aimed at cutting waste and fraud in federal spending, collaborating with Elon Musk in this effort.
In these first 100 days, Trump has set a record for issuing executive orders, surpassing any previous president. His administration has made considerable progress in advancing its agenda. However, despite these achievements, recent polling indicates that Trump’s approval ratings are low, primarily due to public concern over the economy. This economic sentiment comes ahead of the anticipated impact from the tariff war he initiated.
A recent poll from the Washington Post and ABC News shows Trump with a 39% approval rating. Interestingly, while many Americans express dissatisfaction with Trump, they feel even less favorable towards the Democratic Party. The poll reveals that 70% of Americans believe the Democratic Party is out of touch, and 60% feel the same about Trump.
Critics of Trump have intensified their rhetoric. For instance, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker recently called for protests against Trump supporters, suggesting they should face harassment. Similarly, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries drew parallels between the current political divide and the Civil War, labeling Republicans as "traitors" for opposing the budget negotiations.
Despite the challenges he faces, Trump appears to benefit from the perceived incompetence of his opponents. However, his polling numbers, particularly among independents, are troubling. Only 33% of independents approve of his performance, while 58% disapprove. This decline in support is attributed mainly to the tariff war, which has raised concerns about the economy.
Many Americans are worried about the turmoil in the stock market and the impact of tariffs on imported goods. Only 31% approve of the stock market situation, and just 34% support the tariffs. While Trump has found some success with immigration policies, his overall approval is dragged down by economic issues.
Trump’s presidency now hinges on two critical factors: resolving the trade war and passing a tax reform bill. Without progress on these fronts, his administration may struggle to regain public support. Many in the retail and wholesale sectors are feeling the pinch from tariffs, leading to fears of shortages and price hikes.
In summary, for Trump to improve his standing with the American people, he must focus on economic stability. By addressing these concerns effectively, he can strengthen his presidency and regain the political capital needed to pursue his broader agenda.