The Journal. cover image

The Journal.

Trump 2.0: The First 100 Days

May 2, 2025
Aaron Zitner, a colleague at The Wall Street Journal, joins to dissect the tumultuous first 100 days of the Trump administration. They delve into the unexpected lower deportation rates and the controversial early policies that indicate a shift in executive power. Public opinion reveals a mixed bag, with notable disapproval among minorities and independents. The discussion also highlights Trump’s ambitious vision versus the realities he faces, along with the potential for crises ahead as the president navigates a divided political landscape.
31:53

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Trump's first 100 days saw a reliance on executive orders, enabling rapid policy changes but raising concerns about U.S. democracy.
  • Public opinion has shifted negatively, particularly among independents and minority voters, highlighting potential challenges for Trump's administration moving forward.

Deep dives

Executive Actions and Budget Implications

During Trump's first 100 days, he signed 142 executive orders, marking a significant departure from traditional presidential governance and showcasing his reliance on executive authority to push his agenda. This has enabled him to initiate substantial policy changes rapidly while Congress struggled to pass legislation, with only five bills signed into law during that period. Despite claims of cutting $160 billion from the budget, the chaotic nature of these cuts resulted in increased federal spending, indicating a disconnect between Trump's proclamations and fiscal reality. This heavy reliance on executive power has raised concerns about the implications for U.S. democracy and the balance of power between branches of government.

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