U.S. President Trump's first 100 days: Flurry of executive orders, federal layoffs, deportations

U.S. President Trump's first 100 days: Flurry of executive orders, federal layoffs, deportations

In his first 100 days back in the White House, U.S. President Donald Trump has demonstrated a robust and aggressive approach to governance, marked by a flurry of executive orders, federal layoffs, and deportations. This period has been characterized by significant policy changes and a focus on reducing the federal workforce, increasing tariffs, and ramping up immigration enforcement.

Trump has signed an unprecedented number of executive orders, totaling 142, which is just 20 shy of the total number of executive orders signed by former President Joe Biden during his entire term. This rapid pace of executive action has been described as "almost one year of activity done in 100 days" by geopolitical strategist Taufiq Rahim [2]. These executive orders have spurred numerous legal challenges, as state officials, businesses, advocacy organizations, and educational institutions have contested various policies, including tariffs and immigration detention practices.

One of the most notable actions has been the implementation of tariffs, with Trump imposing significant import taxes on various goods. Notably, he placed a 145% tariff on China, prompting retaliatory measures and causing concerns about potential economic impacts. The Trump administration has maintained that these tariffs are necessary to raise revenue and cut taxes, but critics argue that they could trigger a recession and exacerbate inflationary pressures [1].

The Trump administration has also been aggressive in its approach to immigration, deporting 139,000 people who were in the United States without proper legal authority. This has resulted in a sharp drop in border crossings, with Border Patrol tracking 7,181 encounters in March, down from 137,473 the same month last year. However, the administration's actions have been criticized for lacking due process, as many migrants have been deported without a fair trial [1].

Moreover, the Trump administration has initiated significant federal layoffs, with approximately 280,000 federal jobs lost through firings and buyout offers. This includes layoffs at the IRS, which could potentially hinder tax collection and reduce the budget deficit. The administration has also floated the possibility of an additional 145,000 job cuts, which could further impact the economy and public services [1].

In summary, President Trump's first 100 days have been marked by a flurry of executive orders, federal layoffs, and deportations, reflecting an aggressive approach to governance. While these actions have been met with both support and criticism, their long-term impacts remain to be seen.

References:
[1] https://apnews.com/article/trump-100-days-deportations-tariffs-executive-orders-97fef4cd2f3718e971eec830c07cdea9
[2] https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2025/04/29/trump-first-100-days-immigration-education-tariffs/2081745948785/