Over the past 100 days, the Trump administration has completely reworked the way Washington does business. In a whirlwind of executive orders and policy changes, the government has been shaken up—from cutting back on diversity programs to shifting tax and spending priorities, tightening immigration rules, and even surprising many with a cabinet made up largely of ultra-wealthy business leaders. Here’s a down-to-earth look at these early days in office.
A Flurry of Executive Orders
Right after stepping into office, President Trump wasted no time. He signed a record number of executive orders meant to undo policies from the previous administration and push his “America First” agenda. Whether it was rolling back regulations on energy and trade or changing how federal hiring works, these swift moves were all about “draining the swamp.” While some praise these decisive actions as long overdue, others worry that bypassing lengthy legislative debates might create more problems down the road.
The Rise of DOGE: A New Model for Efficiency
One of the more unexpected moves was the creation of the Department of Government Efficiency—affectionately nicknamed DOGE. Launched on day one, this new department aims to cut government waste, simplify operations, and bring more accountability to federal agencies. With tech entrepreneur Elon Musk on board as a special advisor, DOGE has been given broad access to federal systems to help modernize operations. While many see this as a fresh, innovative approach to a bloated system, critics argue that its aggressive cost-cutting tactics might sidestep important checks and balances within the government.
Tax Priorities and Economic Restructuring
Tax policy has been another major focus during these early months. Trump’s promise of deep tax cuts is at the heart of his “America First” economic strategy. The administration believes that lowering taxes for both corporations and individuals will spark growth, create jobs, and make America more competitive globally. Supporters are excited about the prospect of more money in the hands of businesses and workers, while critics worry that the benefits will mainly go to the wealthy and large corporations—potentially widening the income gap.
An Anti-DEI Crusade
In a move that’s sparked heated debate, the administration has made significant cuts to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs across federal agencies. From day one, orders were signed to slash federal funding for these initiatives, with the argument that DEI programs have become more about political correctness than about fairness. Supporters say ending these programs will create a merit-based, “colorblind” system where hard work is the only path to success. However, many worry that removing these programs could harm workplace diversity and worsen social divisions.
A Hard-Line Immigration Crackdown
Immigration has long been a hot-button issue for President Trump, and his early actions have reflected his tough stance. A series of executive orders have ramped up border security, increased enforcement, and signaled an intent to sharply reduce both legal and illegal immigration. This includes reviving a “zero tolerance” approach and stepping up deportations, even for immigrants with minor offenses. While his supporters argue that these measures protect American jobs and communities, critics are deeply concerned about the humanitarian fallout—from family separations to a growing climate of fear among immigrant populations.
Cabinet Wealth: A New Breed of Leadership?
Another standout feature of Trump’s first few months has been his cabinet choices. Many of his top picks come straight from the business world rather than traditional public service backgrounds. To his supporters, this shift signals a leadership style focused on efficiency and results—traits that they believe will modernize government operations. On the flip side, critics warn that a cabinet dominated by the ultra-wealthy might be disconnected from the challenges faced by everyday Americans, potentially favoring big business over broader social welfare.
The Road Ahead
In just 100 days, the Trump administration has set off a chain reaction of changes that are bound to leave a lasting impact on Washington and beyond. Whether through a rapid series of executive orders, bold new initiatives like DOGE, sweeping tax reforms, a controversial rollback of DEI programs, or a hard-line stance on immigration, these actions reflect a dramatic break from the past. For some, this bold overhaul is exactly what’s needed to reset a stagnant system. For others, it raises serious concerns about legal norms, social equity, and the long-term health of American democracy. As these policies continue to unfold, the true impact on everyday life in America remains to be seen.
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Vox – President Trump’s first 100 days
https://www.vox.com/donald-trump/395680/live-updates-donald-trump-executive-orders-policy -
Wikipedia – United States DOGE Service
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_DOGE_Service -
Business Insider – Donald Trump is president. Here's what he's already changing.
https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-day-one-agenda-executive-orders-inauguration-day-2025-1 -
Them – Trump Spent His First Day Dismantling DEI Programs and Preparing a Trans Troop Ban
https://www.them.us/story/trump-executive-order-dei-programs-trans-military-ban -
AP News – Your immigration questions answered: What has changed under Trump, what hasn't and what's next
https://apnews.com/article/3a38abf95aad30bdb046b1690e06d123 -
The Wall Street Journal – Trump Meets With GOP Leaders to Map Out Congressional Path
https://www.wsj.com/politics/policy/donald-trump-president-day-two-updates-8f24e265