100 Days of Chaos
By truthkast
As President Donald Trump approaches the 100-day mark of his second term on April 29, 2025, the political landscape bears little resemblance to a traditional presidential honeymoon. Instead, these initial months have been defined by a relentless pace of radical policy implementation, economic disruption, and deepening national anxiety, reflected in historically dismal public approval ratings. Far from unifying the nation, Trump’s second act has already proven deeply divisive and, for many Americans, profoundly unsettling.
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The clearest verdict comes from the American people themselves. Recent polls paint a stark picture of dissatisfaction. An ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll found Trump’s approval rating at a mere 39%, with 55% disapproving – the lowest net approval for any president at this stage in 80 years of polling.1 Other surveys, including AP-NORC and YouGov, confirm this trend, showing broad disapproval hovering near 60%. Words like “chaotic” (66%) and “scary” (59%) dominate public descriptions of the term so far, according to a New York Times/Siena College poll.2 This isn’t just partisan opposition; polls indicate slipping support among independents and even rumblings of discontent within his own party, suggesting the administration’s aggressive approach is alienating a significant portion of the electorate.
A key driver of this unease is the administration’s radical policy blitzkrieg. Fulfilling promises of retribution and systemic overhaul, Trump has signed a record number of executive orders.3 Sweeping changes to immigration enforcement have seen the border militarized, asylum pathways restricted, and mass deportation efforts launched using legally questionable tactics like the 18th-century Alien Enemies Act, leading to court challenges.4 Concurrently, the “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE), spearheaded by Elon Musk, has initiated mass firings across the federal workforce, dismantling agencies like USAID and raising concerns about loyalty oaths supplanting expertise.5
Economically, the first 100 days have been marked by the imposition of “horrible” tariffs, a signature Trump policy now enacted with full force. Steep tariffs were levied on allies like Canada and Mexico before a universal 10% baseline tariff hit nearly all imports in early April, alongside staggering rates targeting China (reportedly 145%) and others.6 While the administration partially paused some country-specific rates amidst market backlash, the baseline tariff remains, disrupting global trade flows and stoking fears of inflation.7
The stock market has reacted violently, “whipsawing” throughout the period.8 Despite a recent rally, the S&P 500 remains significantly down since inauguration day, flirting with bear market territory earlier in April and marking one of the worst 100-day starts for any president post-WWII. This volatility, directly linked by analysts to the tariff announcements, has reportedly erased trillions in household wealth and shaken investor confidence.9 While reported inflation figures from previous months showed a decline, the Federal Reserve and economists warn that the new tariffs will inevitably lead to higher prices for consumers, directly contradicting Trump’s promise to lower costs and fueling public anxiety – polls show Americans want the focus on prices, not tariffs.10
On the world stage, the administration has actively pursued policies that separate the U.S. from international consensus and longstanding alliances. Withdrawal from the World Health Organization and the Paris Climate Accord, coupled with trade wars against allies and adversaries alike, signals a deepening isolationism. Actions like temporarily pausing aid to Ukraine and dismantling the foreign aid apparatus further undermine America’s global standing and create dangerous uncertainty.
In just 100 days, the Trump administration has unleashed a torrent of radical change, shaking the foundations of government operations, economic policy, and international relations. While lauded by some supporters as decisive action, the approach has generated profound instability, historically low public approval, economic jitters, and strained global ties.11 The overwhelming sentiment reflected in current polling is one of dissatisfaction and concern, suggesting most Americans are indeed unhappy with the turbulent reality of Trump’s second term.
