Trump’s First 100 Days in Office: Mired in Plunging Popularity and Failed Promises

Trump’s First 100 Days in Office: Mired in Plunging Popularity and Failed Promises

When Donald J. Trump was inaugurated as the 45th President of the United States on January 20, 2017, he promised swift and radical changes to "Make America Great Again." His campaign was built on bold promises: repealing Obamacare, building a border wall, renegotiating international trade deals, and revitalizing the American economy. However, as the first 100 days unfolded, reality painted a far different picture. Trump's early presidency became a whirlwind of controversy, unmet promises, and steadily declining popularity.

A Presidency Launched Amid High Expectations

Trump entered office with a Republican-controlled Congress, which theoretically gave him a strong advantage in passing legislation. Supporters believed that with GOP majorities in both the House and Senate, Trump would rapidly implement his ambitious agenda. Optimism ran high among his base, but skepticism dominated among political analysts and the broader public.

During his inaugural address, Trump painted a bleak image of "American carnage," vowing to restore prosperity and security. It was a populist tone that had fueled his electoral victory, but translating fiery rhetoric into effective governance would prove far more difficult.

Early Executive Orders and Controversies

In his first weeks, Trump signed a flurry of executive orders aimed at fulfilling campaign promises. Notably, he issued a controversial travel ban targeting several Muslim-majority countries. The ban sparked immediate protests across the nation and was quickly challenged in federal courts. While the Trump administration defended the order as a national security measure, critics called it discriminatory and unconstitutional. Multiple revisions and legal battles followed, highlighting a chaotic start to Trump’s term.

Additionally, Trump initiated efforts to dismantle Obama-era regulations, particularly those related to the environment and business. He withdrew the United States from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and signaled intentions to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Yet, many of these moves were symbolic gestures rather than concrete policy victories within the first 100 days.

Legislative Failures: Obamacare Repeal and Tax Reform

One of Trump's biggest promises was the immediate repeal and replacement of the Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obamacare. Despite years of Republican pledges to repeal it, Trump and the GOP leadership struggled to unify their party around an alternative plan. The American Health Care Act (AHCA) — the proposed replacement — faced fierce opposition not only from Democrats but also from moderate and conservative Republicans. After a humiliating defeat in March 2017, House leaders pulled the bill from the floor without a vote.

Tax reform, another major promise, also failed to gain meaningful traction within Trump's first 100 days. While discussions began, no major legislation was passed, leaving a significant hole in Trump's record of accomplishments.

Internal Turmoil and Staff Turnover

Trump's early presidency was also marred by significant internal conflict within the White House. High-profile dismissals, including that of National Security Adviser Michael Flynn (over undisclosed conversations with the Russian ambassador), and persistent leaks to the media fueled an image of disorganization. Infighting among key advisers — notably between Steve Bannon, Reince Priebus, and Jared Kushner — further undermined the administration’s credibility.

The investigations into possible Russian interference in the 2016 election, and potential collusion with the Trump campaign, also began gaining momentum during these months, casting a long shadow over the administration.

Plummeting Popularity

Public opinion polls reflected the chaotic nature of Trump's first months. According to Gallup, Trump's approval rating hit 41% within his first month, the lowest of any modern president at that stage. By the end of his first 100 days, his approval hovered around 40%, a historic low compared to predecessors like Barack Obama (63%), George W. Bush (62%), and Bill Clinton (55%).

The sharp drop was driven by several factors: broken promises, perceived incompetence, divisive rhetoric, and mounting scandals. Even many independents and some Republicans began expressing doubts about Trump's ability to lead effectively.

Broken Promises and Unfinished Business

While Trump argued that the media was unfairly negative toward him, a large portion of his struggles stemmed from failing to deliver on major campaign promises. Some of the broken or delayed pledges included:

• The Border Wall: Although Trump signed executive orders related to border security, no major construction of the wall along the U.S.-Mexico border had begun.
• "Extreme Vetting": The travel ban faced multiple setbacks in courts, limiting its immediate impact.
• Healthcare Reform: No replacement for Obamacare was enacted.
• Tax Cuts: No legislation was passed in the first 100 days.
• Infrastructure Investment: Trump's grand plans for a $1 trillion infrastructure program remained only a proposal.

A President Redefining the Office

Despite the rocky start, Trump’s supporters praised him for attempting to fulfill promises and for shaking up Washington politics. His aggressive style, willingness to attack the media, and blunt rhetoric were seen as a refreshing change by many of his voters. Trump framed his early failures as the result of a "rigged system" and "fake news" rather than mismanagement.

In many ways, Trump redefined the presidency within those first 100 days: using Twitter as his primary communication tool, sidelining traditional media outlets, and openly attacking political opponents and institutions.

Conclusion: A Divisive Beginning

Donald Trump’s first 100 days in office were marked by significant turmoil, broken promises, and plunging popularity. While he maintained strong support among his core base, his struggles to enact meaningful legislation and the endless controversies suggested deep challenges ahead.

Far from consolidating power and momentum, Trump's early presidency foreshadowed a term defined by division, conflict, and unprecedented political upheaval. The first 100 days were only the beginning of what would become one of the most controversial administrations in American history.