New Delhi: President Donald Trump’s dramatic return to the White House has upended both domestic and global norms in just his first 100 days in office. With sweeping executive actions, aggressive foreign policy decisions, and a sharp ideological shift, the second Trump administration is rapidly reshaping America’s role in the world—and testing the limits of presidential power at home.
From economic shockwaves triggered by global tariffs to hardline immigration enforcement and an all-out assault on diversity initiatives, the pace and scale of change have drawn both admiration from supporters and alarm from critics.
A more radical ‘America first’ agenda
Trump’s second-term iteration of “America First” is bolder, more disruptive, and far more confrontational than during his first stint in office. The White House has imposed broad tariffs on over two dozen nations, drastically cut foreign aid, and openly questioned the value of decades-old alliances like NATO.
“Trump is much more radical now than he was eight years ago,” said Elliott Abrams, a Republican foreign policy veteran. “I have been surprised.”
Defending his policies, Trump argues that it is necessary to correct years of “exploitation” by allies and unfair trade partners. His aides claim that the president is reasserting U.S. strength and leadership after what they call the “feckless” diplomacy of Joe Biden’s administration.
Major moves and global shockwaves
Tariff turmoil
The most impactful economic decision so far has been the imposition of sweeping tariffs. Branded as “Liberation Day,” the policy sent shockwaves through global markets. The S&P 500 plunged, the dollar weakened, and global growth projections were revised downward. While Trump says the move protects American industry, economists warn it may trigger a global recession.