US President Donald Trump’s first 100 days were marked by a whirlwind of executive orders aimed at fulfilling campaign promises, cutting down the federal government, and redefining America’s global posture. But the next phase poses a tougher challenge — turning his ambitious agenda into legislation.
“Trump's first 100 days were remarkable for their pace and impact. Now comes the hard part,” said Stephen Dover, chief market strategist at the Franklin Templeton Institute.
“The next 100 days will shift the focus to the challenges of passing legislation while simultaneously addressing deficit reduction. Congress must act, which requires building legislative coalitions,” he said.
Trump has signed over 140 executive actions in areas ranging from immigration to culture wars and bureaucracy cuts. But lasting change, especially involving federal spending, requires Congressional approval.
His political clout will now be tested as he pushes tax reforms, border security measures, and energy initiatives through a divided Congress. His declining popularity and criticism over immigration and trade policy complicate his efforts.
Executive orders, while fast, are temporary and vulnerable. Many of Trump’s directives have already faced legal challenges or were blocked in court. Analysts say sustainable impact demands legislative coalition-building — a skill Trump hasn’t had to rely on yet.
Despite successes like the Abraham Accords and a revamped (but now weakened) trade deal with Canada, Trump’s record on major domestic legislation is mixed. He failed to repeal the Affordable Care Act and made no deal with North Korea despite high-profile summits.
Congress, under his leadership, has passed just five laws in his first 100 days — a historic low. Republicans have now set a July 4 deadline to push through Trump's key proposals, including extending his 2017 tax cuts and eliminating taxes on tips, overtime, and Social Security payments.
However, the estimated $5 trillion cost of the tax plan is a sticking point. Conservatives demand equivalent spending cuts, while moderates fear slashing Medicaid will hurt their re-election chances in 2026.
“It’s going to be extremely tricky for the numbers to add up in a way that satisfies everyone in the Republican caucus,” said Andrew Koneschusky, a political consultant and former Senate aide. “When it comes to tax bills, the ultimate adult in the room is math. You can’t break the laws of mathematics, no matter how much politicians might want to.”
Trump is racing against the clock. A loss of Republican control in the 2026 midterms could stifle his legislative power. For now, he's banking on the Senate’s reconciliation procedure to bypass Democrats.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries dismissed Trump’s agenda as “unconscionable” and “un-American,” vowing Democrats will “bury it in the ground, never to rise again.”
Courtesy: AFP
Bd-pratidin English/FNC
