Rapid Executive Action Marks Trump’s Second Term
President Donald Trump completed the first 100 days of his second presidential term on April 30, 2025, distinguished by an unprecedented pace of executive action aimed at reshaping the federal government. In just over three months, Trump signed 130 executive orders, 35 proclamations, and 36 memorandums, profoundly impacting domestic and international policy. His administration’s aggressive stance has intensified support among his conservative base while fueling intense scrutiny and criticism from opponents who view these moves as overly harsh and potentially destabilizing.
Key aspects of his policy agenda during this period include heightened immigration enforcement, broad economic policies, and significant changes to government structure. Immigration has become a central issue, highlighted by the Laken Riley Act enacted in late January. This legislation mandates Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain undocumented immigrants specifically accused of theft-related offenses or assaulting officers. Since its passage, immigration arrests have surged by 627% compared to the previous administration, and border crossings have sharply declined by 95%.
Despite significant progress on immigration policies, some conservative critics argue that Trump has yet to fulfill promises such as deporting between 1,200 and 1,500 undocumented immigrants daily. Nevertheless, Trump’s administration continues to promise intensified immigration actions in the near future. According to Susan B. Glasser, a prominent political commentator:
“The whole country is going through this kind of enormous, disruptive, destabilizing experience.”
This sentiment underscores the profound societal impact of Trump’s aggressive policy implementation.
Media Crackdown Raises Concerns Over Press Freedom
A prominent characteristic of Trump’s third presidential term has been his continued adversarial relationship with the media, intensifying actions initiated during his earlier presidency. Among the most significant developments has been the dismantling of the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM). This controversial move risks silencing critical US-funded broadcasting outlets, affecting an audience of approximately 427 million worldwide. Observers fear the vacuum created will increase exposure to authoritarian propaganda from nations like Russia and China.
Moreover, the shutdown has placed nearly 3,500 journalists and media workers at risk of losing their jobs, creating significant economic and personal uncertainty. At least 84 US-based journalists employed by USAGM face potential deportation back to countries where they risk severe harassment or prosecution, raising substantial international human rights concerns.
In parallel, Trump’s administration also removed more than 8,000 web pages from over a dozen federal websites shortly after taking office, limiting public and journalistic access to vital information on health, crime, and other critical matters. Additionally, the administration has proposed significant budget cuts, requesting Congress to eliminate $1.1 billion in allocated funds for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. This proposal threatens National Public Radio (NPR) and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), potentially affecting rural and underserved communities heavily reliant on these networks.
The White House’s strained relationship with the media has notably culminated in the unprecedented banning of the Associated Press (AP) from White House press briefings due to their continued use of the geographical term “Gulf of Mexico.” Despite a federal court’s reinstatement order, the limitations against AP persist, sparking intense debate about press freedom and executive power. According to Reporters Without Borders (RSF):
“President Trump’s administration is attacking the credibility, independence, and sustainability of the news media in the United States and around the world.”
Broader Societal Implications and Policy Impacts
President Trump’s sweeping policy changes have led to significant societal implications and public debate. Mental health professionals have begun warning about the growing anxiety and stress resulting from the rapid and extensive changes occurring under Trump’s second administration. Clinical psychologist Alix McLearen noted increased distress among federal employees and outlined ongoing efforts to connect affected workers with necessary mental health resources during these tumultuous times.
Economically, Trump has prioritized extending the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, aiming to reinforce lower tax rates and deductions for American families and businesses. These economic initiatives have received widespread approval from conservative circles praising the administration’s push for reduced federal bureaucracy and cost-efficiency. This initiative includes the significant downsizing spearheaded by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), reducing thousands of federal jobs perceived by the administration as redundant or wasteful.
However, this aggressive stance has led to heightened tensions domestically. Critics argue Trump’s policy directions risk polarizing the country further while placing economic and social stability in jeopardy. Government layoffs and salary cuts have particularly impacted perennially stable government sectors, causing increased employment concerns for thousands of federal workers.
Ultimately, Trump’s first 100 days have generated extensive debate about the direction and stability of American governance, with significant implications for immigration, public media, journalism, economic policy, and national unity. The outcomes of his policies will likely continue to generate profound debate and shape America’s political landscape as his administration moves beyond its initial phase of aggressive policymaking.