The first 100 days of a presidency often set the stage for the administration’s legacy. Nearly a century ago, Franklin D. Roosevelt, facing the depths of the Great Depression, used his first 100 days to introduce the New Deal—a series of programs that reshaped the U.S. economy and provided relief to millions.
President Donald Trump, elected on promises to revive the economy and address the struggles of ordinary Americans, has also had a busy first 100 days. However, the similarities with Roosevelt’s tenure end there.
While Roosevelt worked with Congress to pass significant legislation, Trump has primarily relied on executive orders, some of which have faced legal challenges. Roosevelt sought to deepen the U.S.’s engagement with the world, but Trump’s actions have often been seen as isolating, with controversial policies on trade, immigration, and foreign relations.
Trump’s approach to addressing the nation’s economic issues has been markedly different. Instead of focusing on systemic changes within the U.S., he has attributed economic hardships to factors like international trade agreements and immigration. This has led to policies that have strained relationships with allies and created uncertainty in global markets.
Despite his promises to help those left behind by economic shifts, critics argue that Trump’s policies have continued to favor the wealthy, with tax cuts and deregulation benefiting corporations rather than everyday people. The administration’s focus on blame rather than systemic solutions has led to a tumultuous start, raising questions about the direction of U.S. leadership.
As the U.S. navigates this period of change, the impact of the administration’s first 100 days is felt not just domestically but around the world. For young people globally, these developments highlight the importance of engaged citizenship and the impact leadership decisions have on international relations and economies.
