Trump’s First 100 Days: Power, Controversies, and Breaks Mark the Start of His Second Term in the US

Amid a flood of executive orders, tariffs, and rollbacks on rights, Trump stamps his mark on the United States and the world. See what has changed, what’s at stake, and how his decisions affect Brazil and the global order.

The first 100 days of Donald Trump’s second term have been anything but quiet. Since January 20, 2025, the Republican president has accelerated a shock agenda, betting on unilateral power, economic nationalism, and rollbacks on social and environmental policies. With a Republican-controlled Congress, Trump has advanced like few modern presidents, signing 228 decrees-21 of them on tariffs alone-and reversing pillars of the Biden administration, according to reports by Poder360 and the BBC.

The promise was rapid and visible action. Trump declared a national energy emergency on day one, pledged to reduce prices, cut taxes, toughen immigration enforcement, impose tariffs, and dismantle environmental and educational regulations. At the same time, he pardoned those involved in the January 6 attack, attacked transgender rights, encouraged companies to abandon inclusion policies, and sparked controversies over Greenland annexation, Panama Canal control, and even making Canada the 51st US state.

The hallmark of these 100 days is the force of “hard power”: Trump governs by decree, reduces Congress’s role, and prioritizes American sovereignty-even if it means ruptures with historic allies and a more unstable global order (BBC).

Main Actions and Promises in the First 100 Days

✅ Price and tariff reductions: Trump promised to lower living costs and imposed widespread tariffs on foreign goods, especially from China, Canada, and Mexico. However, markets fluctuated and some sectors saw price increases.

✅ Crackdown on illegal immigration: Policies were tightened at the border, deportations accelerated, and visa and citizenship grants restricted.

✅ Energy and national emergency: Declared an energy emergency to boost domestic production, promising to halve energy bills within 18 months.

✅ Tax cuts and deregulation: Ambitious tax cuts announced, alongside revocation of environmental, educational, and inclusion regulations.

✅ Pardons and culture wars: Pardoned January 6 participants, attacked diversity policies in companies and culture, and reversed transgender rights.

✅ Aggressive foreign policy: Reduced foreign aid, aligned closer to Russia, threatened territorial annexations, and pressured Iran and China.

After 100 days, the effects are visible: volatile markets, distrustful allies, internal protests, and a sharp drop in popularity, according to a CNN poll-the lowest for any US president at this point since 1945.

What Changed for the US and the World?

Trump reversed US multilateral foreign policy, prioritizing bilateral agreements and economic nationalism. The country distanced itself from global forums, cut international aid, and pressured trade partners. For Latin America, Trump’s policy is a “take it or leave it” approach, with less dialogue and more imposition of American interests.

The dismantling of the administrative state, with the firing of technicians and loyalty-based appointments, worries governance experts. Regulatory agencies lost autonomy and technical capacity, while outsourced contracts increased costs in several areas (Opera Mundi).

Impact on Brazil and International Trade

The new wave of tariffs and American isolationism pressures Brazilian exporters, especially in steel, aluminum, meat, and agriculture sectors. The geopolitical realignment may open space for bilateral agreements but increases instability and risk of retaliatory trade measures. Brazilian companies with US operations already report rising costs and regulatory uncertainty.

Practical Example: How Decisions Affect Daily Life

American consumers already feel the impact on prices of cars, electronics, and imported food. Immigrants face more legal barriers and deportations. Tech companies like Meta, Amazon, and Disney abandoned inclusion initiatives to adapt to the new political climate. For Brazilians, the risk is higher prices, fewer export opportunities, and a more unpredictable international environment.

Frequently Asked Questions (People Also Ask)

• What are Trump’s main actions in the first 100 days? Tariffs, immigration crackdown, tax cuts, energy emergency, pardons related to January 6, rollbacks on civil rights and environmental policies.
• What changed in US foreign policy? Less multilateralism, more bilateral deals, pressure on China, Russia, and Iran, and territorial annexation threats.
• How do these measures affect Brazil? They pressure exports, increase import costs, and create a more unstable international environment.
• Has Trump fulfilled all promises? No. Many actions are executive orders that can be reversed, and legal challenges are ongoing.
• What is Trump’s popularity after 100 days? According to CNN polls, it is the lowest for any US president at this point since 1945.

ChatGPT Prompt 👀

Copy and paste this prompt into your favorite AI:

Analyze the first 100 days of Donald Trump’s second term. Provide:
1. Main actions and disruptions in domestic and foreign policy
2. Impacts on the global economy and Brazil
3. Trends for the coming months and risks to the international order
Include recent data, practical examples, and expert forecasts.

ps: obgda por chegar até aqui, é importante pra mim 🧡