Trump's First 100 Days: A Second-Worst Performance, Echoing Nixon’s Legacy
2min read The political and economic landscape of a new presidential administration can set the tone for years to come. Donald Trump’s hypothetical second-term start in 2025, as outlined in recent analyses, reveals a governance style marked by aggressive executive actions, historic legal challenges, and market volatility. While the title suggests a comparison to Richard Nixon’s 1969 presidency, the data paints a nuanced picture: Nixon’s first 100 days were marked by relative stability, while Trump’s 2025 performance ranks among the most turbulent in modern history—second only to Gerald Ford’s dismal 1974 start.
Approval Ratings: A Stark Contrast
Nixon’s first 100 days in 1969 saw a 62% approval rating, the fourth-highest of post-WWII presidents, reflecting public optimism amid Cold War tensions. By contrast, Trump’s 2025 hypothetical administration plummeted to just 39% approval, the lowest since polling began. This divergence underscores a key difference: Nixon focused on governance reform and economic coordination, while Trump’s actions—mass pardons, punitive tariffs, and ideological clashes with agencies—alienated both voters and markets.
Economic Metrics: Tariffs, the Dollar, and Market Chaos
Trump’s 2025 agenda prioritized reshaping global trade, but the economic consequences were severe. The imposition of sweeping tariffs, designed to force companies back to U.S. shores, triggered a . This ranks as the worst since Gerald Ford’s 1974 term, which saw an 11% drop amid stagflation.
The U.S. dollar also bore the brunt of Trump’s policies. The DXY index, which tracks the dollar against six major currencies, fell sharply after tariff announcements, signaling a deliberate weakening to boost exports. However, reveal risks: a weaker dollar can inflate import costs, squeezing consumer wallets.
Legal and Governance Turmoil
Trump’s 140+ executive orders in his first 100 days—far exceeding any modern president—triggered over 200 federal lawsuits. Key targets included immigration policies (e.g., invoking wartime deportation laws) and agency reshaping, such as the controversial Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). By comparison, Nixon’s first 100 days saw fewer lawsuits, with EOs focused on administrative coordination rather than ideological overhauls.
The State Department’s restructuring, including infrequent press briefings, and Trump’s Truth Social posts (17 daily, often inflammatory), further eroded trust. Meanwhile, Nixon’s early EOs, such as the Cabinet Committee on Economic Policy, aimed to stabilize the economy through consensus—a stark contrast to Trump’s polarizing rhetoric.
Conclusion: A Cautionary Tale for Investors
Trump’s 2025 first 100 days, while not the worst in approval ratings (Nixon outperformed him), rank as the second-worst in economic and governance chaos. The 7% S&P 500 decline mirrors risks of protectionist policies and legal uncertainty, while the dollar’s drop hints at inflationary pressures.
Investors should note:
- Tariffs and Trade: Companies reliant on global supply chains (e.g., automakers, tech firms) face headwinds, while exporters might benefit from a weaker dollar.
- Legal Risk: Over 200 lawsuits could delay policy implementation, creating uncertainty for sectors like energy (oil drilling mandates) and healthcare (NIH funding cuts).
- Political Polarization: Approval ratings at 39% signal a divided electorate, complicating legislative agendas and long-term policy stability.
While Nixon’s 1969 presidency set a foundation for détente and economic pragmatism, Trump’s 2025 tenure—marked by record legal challenges and market volatility—highlights the perils of unilateral governance. For investors, this underscores the importance of diversification and caution in an era of heightened political and economic instability.
