Trump’s First 100 Days: Big Changes, But Tariff Focus Raises Concerns

April 27, 2025 | Washington, D.C. —

During his first 100 days in office, President Donald Trump has implemented sweeping changes, fulfilling numerous promises to reform education, energy policy, and immigration. His administration has acted swiftly, pushing through a wave of executive orders and policy shifts aimed at redefining America's place at home and abroad. However, critics and economists alike warn that an overwhelming focus on tariffs and trade wars could severely undermine the momentum built during these first critical months.

Trump has signed more than 35 executive orders since his January inauguration, reimplementing several policies from his first term and introducing new measures to strengthen U.S. manufacturing, boost energy independence, and reduce reliance on foreign markets. His "America First 2.0" agenda has energized his base, with rallies drawing thousands across the Midwest and South, where supporters often cite a renewed sense of national pride and economic optimism.

Press Secretary Sarah Johnson stated in a briefing on Friday that "President Trump is keeping his word — rebuilding American greatness." Johnson emphasized that "The first 100 days have set the tone for a strong, secure, and prosperous future," highlighting initiatives like expanded oil drilling leases, new school choice programs, and tightened immigration protocols as key victories.

However, not everyone is persuaded by the administration’s self-assessment. Trump's aggressive strategy for imposing tariffs remains a major cause for concern among a broad coalition of economists, industry leaders, and international partners. Fears of a prolonged and costly global trade war have been raised by the swift and punishing international retaliation that new tariffs on Chinese steel, European automobiles, and even Canadian lumber have sparked.

"This administration is making the same mistakes from the first term — believing that tariffs alone can fix trade imbalances," said Dr. Linda Carson, senior economist at the Brookings Institution. "The broader economy risks higher consumer prices and lost export markets, despite the fact that some domestic sectors may benefit in the short term." Carson and others argue that while tariffs may provide a temporary boost to certain American industries, they simultaneously erode the purchasing power of consumers and strain diplomatic relationships that underpin global commerce.

Concerns have already been expressed by farmers and small business owners, who are among the first to feel the impacts of retaliatory tariffs abroad. The American Farm Bureau Federation reported a 20% drop in soybean exports in the first quarter of 2025, largely attributed to China's swift and targeted tariffs on U.S. agricultural products. Other industries, including the tech and automotive sectors, have also warned of rising costs and shrinking global market share.

Despite these growing worries, Trump's approval ratings have remained remarkably steady, hovering around 47 percent. Analysts suggest that a combination of cultural loyalty, economic optimism among key voter blocs, and the perception of Trump as a strong leader contribute to his resilience in the polls, even amid volatile stock market performance and fluctuating unemployment rates. Supporters argue that short-term pain is necessary for long-term gain, believing that tough trade negotiations will ultimately lead to a more balanced and prosperous American economy.

Looking ahead, although analysts predict that the focus on tariffs will continue to cast a long shadow over his presidency, the next phase of Trump's agenda is expected to pivot toward healthcare reform and completing the construction of the expanded border wall between the United States and Mexico. Observers note that how Trump manages these upcoming battles — especially healthcare, a historically difficult arena for Republicans — will shape the next critical phase of his presidency and determine whether the early momentum can be sustained or falter under mounting pressures both at home and abroad.