FactCheck: Assessing Trump’s 100-Day Promise Progress

Donald Trump, on the 2024 campaign trail, has vowed significant changes to the federal government if he regains the presidency. He claims that swift action will characterize his administration should he be reelected.

In the early days of his new term, Trump has touted a flurry of activity, calling it “the most successful 100 days in the history of our country.” However, these ambitious claims face scrutiny amid legal challenges and conflicting economic realities.

Here’s a closer look at six key promises Trump made to voters and his progress toward fulfilling them.

Tariffs

In April, Trump enacted tariffs on foreign imports, fulfilling a July 2024 campaign promise to impose taxes of 10% to 20% on countries perceived as unfair trading partners. He officially implemented a minimum 10% tariff on foreign goods on April 2. After experiencing a dip in stock markets linked to these policies, Trump opted for a 90-day pause on some tariffs while increasing rates on Chinese goods to 145%, following China’s retaliation.

Additions include 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, which were initially paused. The uncertainty surrounding the future of these tariffs remains a focal point of discussion. Trump has claimed to negotiate “200 deals” in trade, suggesting that changes will be forthcoming.

Ukraine-Russia War

Trump promised to end the ongoing conflict in Ukraine within 24 hours of taking office, a claim he made at the Conservative Political Action Conference. However, three months into his term, violence continues, with significant casualties in Ukraine. Although voluntary negotiations have been facilitated, Trump’s frustrations are evident, blaming both Ukrainian and Russian leaders during critical moments.

In recent remarks, Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed cautious optimism, though also hinted at reevaluating U.S. involvement if negotiations stagnate. Trump’s insistence that he was speaking figuratively about a swift resolution was a departure from his campaign assertions.

Illegal Immigration

Trump’s enduring commitment to border security included an executive order on his first day, declaring a national emergency to curb illegal immigration. Statistics show a significant reduction in apprehensions at the southern border, dropping to numbers not seen since the 1960s. The administration claims that new policies effectively eliminated legal asylum opportunities for many migrants.

Furthermore, Trump champions the most expansive deportation initiative in U.S. history, with over 135,000 deportations already occurring. Critics, however, highlight the legal implications of this aggressive approach.

Birthright Citizenship

Trump revived another past promise by signing an executive order to redefine birthright citizenship, asserting that children born to unauthorized immigrants should not receive automatic citizenship. Legal challenges quickly arose, with federal judges blocking the policy from taking effect. Constitutional experts suggest altering this policy may require a constitutional amendment, complicating Trump’s initiative further.

Stock Market

During his campaign, Trump often linked his presidency to stock market performance. As of late April, his administration faced criticism, with the S&P 500 experiencing its steepest decline for a new administration in over 50 years. Nevertheless, Trump continues to downplay market fluctuations, framing the economic outlook in broader terms.

Prices

Promises of reducing consumer prices have faced hurdles as federal data indicates persistent price increases across categories. Although Trump pointed to dropping egg costs as a success, grocery prices overall continue to rise. Additionally, gas prices remain high, diverging from promises made during his campaign.

In summary, Trump’s first 100 days yield a mixture of successes and obstacles, with critical campaign promises in various stages of implementation or contention. The outcomes of these initiatives are likely to play a significant role in shaping his administration moving forward.