Trump’s First 100 Days (Second Term): A Conservative Counter-Revolution has Begun
Discover how Trump’s first 100 days of his second term reshaped U.S. policies. From immigration to trade, we break down achievements and assign a letter grade.
Trump’s First 100 Days of His Second Term: A Retrospective & Letter Grade
President Donald J. Trump’s first 100 days of his second term have been a whirlwind of action, ambition, and transformation. Historically, the first 100 days of any presidency set the tone for the administration, and Trump approached this milestone with a sense of urgency, fueled by the promises of his campaign. From rolling back Biden-era policies to reshaping the federal government, his administration has left few stones unturned in its quest to deliver bold, decisive reforms.
How has he done so far? What does conservative America think about the progress made? Join us as we break down Trump’s second-term debut, with a performance report and a letter grade for his key policies.
Setting Records with Executive Orders
One of Trump’s first focuses was undoing what his administration deemed the overreach of prior executive actions. To accomplish this, he issued 142 executive orders in just 100 days, surpassing historical records. Among the most notable policy reversals were climate-related measures, COVID-19 mandates, and diversity hiring initiatives implemented under the previous administration.
More significantly, Trump also established the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), helmed by business magnate Elon Musk. DOGE’s mission has been to streamline federal processes, eliminate waste, and bring technological innovation to government operations. Already, the department has enacted significant cuts to bloated budgets, identifying billions in potential savings. It's important to remember that such a large-scale reduction of the federal government hasn’t been attempted since the Reagan administration. Even Reagan, despite his efforts and opposition from a Democratic-majority House of Representatives, was unable to significantly scale back the federal government's vast bureaucracy. So the federal government just kept growing and growing.
For an eye-opening exploration of how extensive and overreaching the federal government has become over the past century, I highly recommend American Leviathan by Ned Ryun. If you're short on time, check out our MOJO Academy book brief for a concise and insightful summary.
Takeaway
Though conservatives often critique the overuse of executive orders, many acknowledge that Trump’s strategy was necessary to reverse the perceived damage of the last four years. If the cost-cutting successes of DOGE are codified into law, they could set a historic precedent for shrinking federal overreach.
Grade: A-
Securing the Nation’s Borders
Trump’s hardline stance on immigration and border security was a hallmark of his campaign, and his first 100 days in office reflect his commitment to delivering. He declared a national emergency at the southern border (Thank God), deploying additional resources to expedite the construction and expansion of walls and barriers.
Most impressively, illegal border crossings have plummeted by 95%, reaching lows not seen in decades. Aggressive deportation measures, leveraging the Alien Enemies Act, and policies ending birthright citizenship (currently pending legal review) have cemented Trump’s reputation as a border enforcer.
Curious about the impact of the last four years under Biden on immigration? Take a look at Overrun by Todd Bensman for an in-depth analysis. Short on time? Don’t worry—check out our Book Brief here for a concise summary.
Takeaway
For Republicans, this unequivocal and overwhelming success is a defining achievement of the administration’s early tenure. Trump campaigned on restoring law and order and securing the southern border, and his results on immigration signal a huge victory.
Grade: A++
“America First” Economy and Trade Policies
The economy has seen dynamic reform during Trump’s first 100 days. At the heart of his agenda is his “America First” trade policy, which continues to impose tariffs on nations like China, Canada, and Mexico in an effort to shield American industries and workers.
Early signs are promising. Inflation rates have begun to decline, unemployment remains low, and companies such as Apple and Hyundai have pledged investments in U.S. manufacturing infrastructure. That said, the abruptness of trade restrictions has created unease in global markets and strained some supply chains but many trade deals are in the works so once those begin to be implemented, it should result in more stability.
Takeaway
While most conservatives champion Trump’s protectionism, I argue that the administration’s sequencing could have been better. A tax cut implemented before launching the trade policies would have allowed for smoother economic transition. Plus, Trump should have used his political capital with congressional leaders to ensure that the tax cut bill is passed before July 4th at the latest and is made retroactive. As we write today in early May 2025, GOP congressional leaders say they are close to getting the tax cut bill out of conference but the proof is in the pudding. We will hold our fire for our next grade card coming at the end of Q2, 2025 (roughly coming out after the Q2 financial numbers are in). This economy needs the tax cut passed by July 4th, as we have written before, and made retroactive to Jan 20th, 2025.
The long-term potential for achieving economic independence by reducing reliance on China is undeniably transformative. The prospect of reshoring jobs is a promising development, and we remain optimistic that these efforts will come to fruition.
Grade: B+
Foreign Policy Overhaul
Trump’s “America First” foreign policy doctrine has reshaped the ways the U.S. interacts with its allies and adversaries. By calling on NATO nations to contribute more funds, slashing foreign aid programs, and prioritizing energy independence, Trump has demonstrated a commitment to reprioritizing U.S. interests on the global stage. Did you know, by the end of Trump’s first term in 2020, the U.S. had achieved energy independence?! Why would we ever choose to revert to relying on other nations to power our country? It’s a decision that’s truly difficult to understand.
Highlights of his foreign agenda include focusing diplomatic pressure on China, revitalizing Panama Canal access agreements, and backing military operations against the Houthis (please keep going). Domestically, these moves have fostered broad support among Republicans, though international reaction has been more mixed. Thus far, Trump’s foreign policy has proven to be successful.
Takeaway
Trump’s unapologetically assertive foreign strategy is regarded by conservatives as a necessary recalibration after years of compromised American standing.
Grade: A
Restoring Law and Order
Trump took immediate steps to uphold his “law and order” agenda. Highlights include the mass pardon of individuals charged in connection with January 6, an act some see as a bid for reconciliation amid politically polarized times. Additionally, enforcement efforts focused on violent crime and initiatives to curtail judicial overreach have resonated with his supporters.
Of special note are the administration’s measures to limit judges’ abilities to issue national injunctions, which has been the largest play of judicial tyranny in American history. During Trump’s first term, his administration faced 3 to 5 times more nationwide injunctions than those of Obama or Biden, and 10 times more than Bush. The trend has only intensified; in just the first two months of his second term, 15 to 16 injunctions have already been issued, indicating an even faster pace. Over the past 50 years, more than two-thirds of all nationwide injunctions have targeted Trump’s policies.
An important question arises: who is issuing these rulings? Notably, 92.2% of the first-term injunctions came from judges appointed by Democratic presidents.
Chief Justice Roberts has raised concerns about lower courts handing out nationwide injunctions, with the Supreme Court warning in two cases that this practice might be going too far. It could throw off the balance of power and create real-world issues. Roberts’ concerns tie into a bigger debate about judicial overreach, bringing to mind Alexander Hamilton’s point in Federalist No. 78 that the judiciary needs to stick to its constitutional limits.
Takeaway
Though some actions continue to divide opinion nationally, conservatives broadly support Trump’s stance on judicial reform, mass deportations of illegal immigrants, and enhanced measures for crime prevention.
This judicial tyranny is a serious concern though, and I believe the administration could strengthen its position by having Vice President JD Vance take a more prominent role in countering the narrative pushed by legacy media.
In Federalist #78, Alexander Hamilton emphasized the importance of judicial restraint, warning that the judiciary must exercise caution and moderation. He envisioned judges adhering to precedent and the original intent of the Constitution, rather than allowing personal or political preferences to dictate their rulings. It’s time to remind the public of this foundational principle.
Grade: B +
Overall Achievements and Final Assessment
Across all fronts, Trump’s second inaugural term has lived up to the expectations of his voter base and the promises of his campaign. He has catalyzed decisive change in immigration, trade, and government reform, all while holding firm to conservative hallmarks of limited government and national sovereignty.
Naturally, not all initiatives have unfolded without criticism or concern. Short-term economic uncertainty, ongoing legal challenges, and international skepticism continue to present hurdles. Still, Trump’s method of governance has energized his supporters and set an ambitious benchmark for future administrations.
Final Grade = A -
From a conservative perspective, Trump’s robust set of accomplishments earns him an A-. While there’s still room for improvement, his bold return to the Oval Office shows a clear and determined vision for America’s future. We haven’t seen a first 100 days this impactful since FDR! A conservative counter-revolution has begun.
What do you think? Let us know!