The Damages of Trump’s First 100 Days: A Threat to Democracy at Home and Abroad

By Mohamad Hammoud

Lebanon – Donald Trump’s first 100 days in his second term were marked by reckless executive orders and policies that undermined democratic norms, damaged America’s global standing, and created domestic instability. Instead of fulfilling his promise to "Make America Great Again," his actions weakened the economy, strained international relations, and fueled division within the country. Below is an analysis of key actions Trump took and their damaging consequences.

Domestic Fallout: Unprecedented Executive Overreach

Trump signed over 140 executive orders in his first 100 days—an unprecedented pace not seen since FDR during the Great Depression. These orders circumvented Congress, undermining constitutional checks and balances. More than 80 lawsuits have been filed challenging their legality, particularly on issues of immigration, civil rights, and environmental regulation.

Trade Wars and Economic Disruption

Trump initiated a sweeping trade war under the slogan “Make America Great Again — Again.” He imposed tariffs on imports from key trading partners, aiming to force companies to relocate production to the US. Instead of revitalizing manufacturing, these tariffs triggered retaliatory measures from countries like China and the EU, resulting in plummeting consumer confidence and a sharp contraction in economic activity. American farmers lost billions in exports, and industries reliant on imported materials faced higher costs. Economists warn that the US risks recession, with GDP growth potentially reduced by up to two percentage points and inflation rising. Prices for everyday goods, cars, groceries, and housing have surged, eroding the purchasing power of American households.

Trump also threatened penalties against companies that moved jobs overseas. However, instead of bringing back jobs, many corporations automated processes or shifted operations abroad to avoid uncertainty. The manufacturing sector did not experience the revival he promised, and his aggressive tactics alienated business leaders.

Job Losses and Bureaucratic Chaos

In a move he claimed would cut “government waste,” Trump created the Department of Government Efficiency, headed by Elon Musk. Within weeks, over 100,000 federal workers were laid off. Simultaneously, Trump fired 17 independent Inspectors General, calling them “deep state operatives.”

While some applauded the push to reduce government “waste,” Trump’s firing of multiple Inspectors General triggered bipartisan outrage in Congress. Critics warned that removing these independent watchdogs weakened oversight, eroded accountability, and opened the door to unchecked executive power. Whistleblowers became increasingly hesitant to come forward, fearing retaliation. At the same time, the mass layoffs disrupted essential services, created administrative chaos, and delayed the delivery of critical public functions.

Assault on Rights and Freedoms

The administration intensified its assault on free expression, targeting both the media and academic institutions to consolidate ideological control. Trump repeatedly branded critical outlets as “fake news” and demonized journalists—rhetoric that not only emboldened authoritarian regimes abroad but also eroded public trust at home, deepening polarization.

His attacks extended to higher education, where he accused universities of liberal indoctrination and threatened to cut federal funding. This emboldened right-wing activists to harass faculty and students, turning campuses into flashpoints of ideological conflict. Simultaneously, protests faced harsher crackdowns. Activists—particularly those supporting immigrant rights or Palestinian solidarity—were subjected to arbitrary arrests. Civil rights organizations warned that the administration was dismantling due process protections and suppressing constitutionally guaranteed speech.

Immigration Crackdown

The administration implemented sweeping raids, mass detentions, and tighter asylum restrictions. Family separations resumed, creating scenes reminiscent of Trump’s first term. These policies fostered fear in immigrant communities and sparked widespread legal challenges. The political divide on immigration widened, with Republicans rallying behind the crackdown while Democrats and independents condemned it.

Foreign Policy Failures: Alienating Allies, Empowering Adversaries

Trump insulted and threatened traditional allies like Canada, Germany, and NATO members, demanding they pay more for defense. Instead of gaining concessions, he weakened trust in US leadership. Countries like Canada stood firm, refusing to be bullied, while adversaries such as Russia and China exploited the divisions, expanding their global influence.

This pattern of alienating allies continued with Trump’s abrupt withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement and the Iran nuclear deal. These decisions further isolated the United States diplomatically, prompting European nations to pursue independent foreign policies and diminishing America's global influence. The Iran withdrawal, in particular, destabilized the Middle East, escalating tensions and pushing Tehran closer to rival powers like Russia and China.

Reinforcing this erratic approach, Trump even revived the bizarre idea of purchasing Greenland and hinted at seeking “full US control” over the Panama Canal. These provocations triggered diplomatic backlash—Denmark called the Greenland proposal “absurd and offensive,” while Panama accused the US of neo-imperialism—deepening the damage to America’s international reputation and feeding anti-American sentiment.

Conclusion
Trump’s first 100 days of his second term have been characterized by a relentless drive to consolidate executive power, dismantle democratic safeguards, and pursue a confrontational “America First” agenda. The consequences have been profound: at home, democratic norms and civil liberties are under siege, the economy is faltering, and social divisions are deepening. Internationally, America’s alliances are fraying, its leadership is questioned, and its actions have sown instability and uncertainty. Far from making America great again, Trump’s approach has inflicted lasting damage on the nation’s democratic fabric and global standing.