Since President Donald Trump returned to office, his administration has moved swiftly to show the country it is aggressively pursuing his campaign promises. With a cooperative, Republican-led Congress, Trump has faced little resistance in reshaping the federal government and redefining U.S. foreign policy.
As Trump reaches his 100th day in office on Tuesday, his presence is unmistakable across Washington. Still, the lasting effects of his flurry of actions remain unclear.
Many of the president’s executive orders lay the groundwork for future policies rather than delivering immediate results. On his first day, for example, he declared an “energy emergency” to boost production — though he acknowledged that benefits, such as lower utility bills, may not materialize until next year.
Conflicting Goals and Legal Battles
Some of Trump’s initiatives contradict one another. He has promised to reduce the cost of living, yet he has also introduced tariffs likely to drive prices up. Other priorities have stalled or become entangled in legal disputes, raising questions about whether some of his actions will withstand judicial scrutiny.
Here’s where things stand on key promises:
Inflation and the Economy
Trump claimed victory over inflation, pointing to a drop from 9.1% in 2022 to 2.4% in March 2025. But economists warn his proposed tariffs could reignite price increases by raising the cost of imports. Additionally, his vow to eliminate the national debt appears implausible — particularly with revenue losses from tax cuts he’s pursuing. It’s a pledge he made in 2016 as well, before the debt soared.
Immigration Crackdown
Trump has made significant strides on border control. Illegal crossings from Mexico plummeted from 249,740 in December 2023 to just over 7,000 by March 2025. However, the legality of some deportations is under fire. In one case, Kilmar Abrego Garcia was deported without a hearing despite lacking a criminal record.
Energy Prices and Policy
Trump’s pledge to slash utility bills by up to 75% within 18 months is bold — and still pending. At times he hedged, but at others he guaranteed success. Utility bills will be the ultimate judge.
Trade and Tariffs
Trump has followed through on imposing sweeping tariffs. Initially targeting Canada, Mexico, and China, he expanded duties significantly on April 2, a day he dubbed “Liberation Day.” While he later softened parts of his plan, tariffs of up to 145% on Chinese goods remain. The market has reacted with volatility, but Trump has shown a new willingness to tolerate such chaos.
Foreign Policy: Ukraine and Russia
Trump’s campaign promise to end the war between Russia and Ukraine “before taking office” remains unfulfilled. Despite repeated vows to broker peace “in one day,” no such resolution has occurred.
Tax Reform Plans
Trump pledged sweeping tax cuts, including eliminating levies on tips, overtime, and Social Security income, while making his 2017 tax cuts permanent. None have been enacted yet. With razor-thin GOP majorities, passing such legislation may prove difficult.
Higher Education and Culture Wars
Trump has targeted colleges for their handling of DEI programs and campus protests. He froze $2 billion in funding for Harvard after it refused to meet his demands and threatened its tax-exempt status. Similar measures have been directed at other institutions, affecting the legal status of many foreign students.
Meanwhile, his administration purged references to diversity in federal documents. Even cultural content came under review — including images of historic military figures — though many proposed removals were ultimately abandoned.
Transgender Rights Rollbacks
Fulfilling campaign pledges, Trump signed orders banning transgender athletes from participating in women’s sports and pushed for court rulings to uphold a ban on transgender military personnel.
DOGE and Musk’s Role in Government
Elon Musk’s proposed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) became a reality, with Musk and allies taking active roles in slashing federal bureaucracy. While tens of thousands of jobs were cut, promised savings fell far short. Musk now aims for $150 billion in cuts — far below his original $1 trillion target — and DOGE has been criticized for exaggerating its accomplishments.
Pardons for Jan. 6 Rioters
Trump kept his promise to pardon those involved in the January 6 Capitol riot. Roughly 1,500 individuals, including those convicted of assaulting police, have been granted clemency.
Environmental Policy Reversals
Trump moved to dismantle environmental protections. He repealed what he called an “EV mandate,” though no such binding regulation existed. He also targeted California’s authority to phase out gas-powered cars, but only Congress can formally revoke that waiver — and has not yet done so.
Despite the frenetic pace of action, Trump’s second term remains a work in progress. Many of his efforts have faced roadblocks or delivered limited results so far. With much of his agenda still in motion, the next phase may determine whether these first 100 days leave a lasting mark.
