Ever wonder what happens when a president hits the ground running with a laundry list of economic promises? As I watched the news unfold over the past few months, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of curiosity and skepticism about how much could actually get done in just 100 days. President Donald Trump’s second term kicked off with a whirlwind of activity, and his economic agenda—packed with bold pledges like tariff hikes, government streamlining, and tax cuts—has been front and center. Let’s dive into what he’s accomplished, what’s still cooking, and why it all matters to everyday folks like you and me.
A Fast Start on Economic Reforms
Trump’s campaign was a masterclass in setting big expectations. From reviving manufacturing to slashing government waste, his economic promises resonated with millions. Now, 100 days into his second term, it’s time to take stock. Some initiatives have roared to life, while others are still finding their footing. Here’s a breakdown of the key moves that have shaped the economic landscape so far.
Tariffs: A Bold Bet on American Industry
One of Trump’s loudest campaign promises was to slap tariffs on imports to boost American manufacturing. And boy, has he delivered on that front. Since January, the administration has rolled out hefty tariffs targeting major trading partners like China, Canada, and Mexico, with rates soaring higher than many expected.
Tariffs are about leveling the playing field for American workers and bringing jobs back home.
– Senior White House official
China’s tariffs have spiked to a jaw-dropping 145% on some goods, while Canada and Mexico face 25% levies on non-USMCA-protected imports. The administration also introduced “reciprocal tariffs” on dozens of countries, though these are currently on hold as trade talks heat up. The goal? To shrink inflation and slow economic growth, potentially tipping the economy into a recession. Still, the White House insists the short-term pain is worth the long-term gain.
- China Tariffs: Up to 145% on select goods.
- Canada & Mexico: 25% on non-USMCA imports.
- Reciprocal Tariffs: Paused for 90 days to allow negotiations.
I’ve always thought tariffs are a double-edged sword. They might protect local jobs, but they also hike prices at the store. It’s a gamble, and only time will tell if it pays off.
Department of Government Efficiency: Musk’s Big Swing
Another promise Trump kept was tackling government waste. Enter the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by none other than Elon Musk. This new outfit was tasked with slashing federal spending by cutting unnecessary positions and contracts. It’s the kind of bold move that makes you sit up and take notice.
DOGE claims to have saved $160 billion so far, though that’s well short of its $1 trillion target. Critics question whether these cuts will deliver lasting savings or just shift costs elsewhere. Musk himself has hinted he’s stepping back from the role, which adds a layer of uncertainty. Still, the initiative has sparked a broader conversation about fiscal responsibility—something I think we can all get behind, even if the execution’s a bit messy.
We’re trimming the fat to make government work for the people, not the bureaucrats.
– DOGE spokesperson
In my experience, government programs often balloon beyond their original purpose. DOGE’s mission feels like a breath of fresh air, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed they don’t cut too deep and hurt essential services.
Tax Cuts: A Work in Progress
Trump’s campaign was peppered with promises of tax relief, including extending the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) and adding new breaks like no taxes on tips, overtime, or Social Security. These are crowd-pleasers, no doubt, but they’re still stuck in Congress.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says a comprehensive tax package is a top priority, with a target date of July 4. Lawmakers are haggling over the details, but the administration’s pushing hard to make these cuts permanent. The TCJA’s expiration looms at the end of 2025, so the clock’s ticking.
- Extend TCJA: Keeps individual and corporate tax cuts in place.
- No Tax on Tips: A boon for service workers.
- Overtime & Social Security: Tax-free to ease financial burdens.
I’m all for keeping more money in my pocket, but I worry about the deficit. Tax cuts sound great until you realize the government’s got to pay its bills somehow. It’s a balancing act, and I’m not sure they’ve got it figured out yet.
Deportations: Economic Ripple Effects
Trump’s pledge to deport millions of undocumented immigrants was a cornerstone of his campaign, with the argument that it would free up jobs and ease housing pressures. He issued an executive order to ramp up deportations, but the numbers haven’t surged as expected—yet.
The White House points to fewer border crossings and a rise in self-deportations as early wins. Still, the logistics of mass deportations are daunting, and industries like construction and agriculture could take a hit if labor dries up. It’s a policy that’s as much about economics as it is about politics.
Our immigration policies are putting American workers first.
– Immigration policy advisor
This one’s tricky. I get the need for secure borders, but uprooting communities and disrupting industries feels like a blunt tool. Maybe there’s a smarter way to tackle this, but it’s not an easy fix.
Housing on Federal Land: A Long-Term Play
Housing affordability is a crisis, and Trump promised to open up federal land to address it. In March, a task force was formed to identify underused federal property—think 500 million acres—for residential development. It’s a creative idea, but don’t hold your breath for quick results.
The Interior and Housing departments are still studying the feasibility, and no timeline’s been set. Transferring or leasing land to states and local governments could unlock new housing, but red tape and environmental concerns might slow things down.
- Task Force Goal: Identify developable federal land.
- Process: Transfer or lease to state/local governments.
- Challenge: Navigating regulatory hurdles.
I love the idea of using land we already own to build homes, but government projects like this tend to drag. It’s a solid concept, though—here’s hoping they can pull it off.
Oil Production: Drilling for Lower Prices
Trump’s “drill, baby, drill” mantra was all about boosting oil production to keep gas prices down. His administration didn’t waste time, declaring a national energy emergency on day one and streamlining permits for new wells on public lands.
The Interior Department’s emergency permitting plan is already speeding up approvals, which could increase U.S. crude output. The hope is cheaper fuel and lower utility bills, but global oil markets are tricky, and environmental groups are pushing back hard.
More oil means more jobs and lower costs for Americans.
– Energy policy expert
Gas prices hit me right in the wallet, so I’m rooting for this one. But I also know drilling more doesn’t always mean cheaper pumps—there’s a lot of factors at play. Plus, the planet’s not exactly thrilled about more fossil fuels.
What’s Next for Trump’s Economic Agenda?
As Trump’s first 100 days wrap up, it’s clear he’s not slowing down. The tariff push, government efficiency drive, and early steps on oil and housing show he’s serious about shaking things up. But tax cuts, deportations, and federal land development are still works in progress, and the economy’s feeling the heat from tariff-related uncertainty.
| Promise | Status | Impact |
| Tariffs | Enacted | Boosts manufacturing, risks inflation |
| DOGE | Enacted | Cuts spending, mixed savings |
| Tax Cuts | In Progress | Could spur growth, widen deficit |
| Deportations | In Progress | Affects labor, housing markets |
| Housing on Federal Land | In Progress | Long-term affordability fix |
| Oil Production | In Progress | Lowers fuel costs, environmental concerns |
The big question is whether these moves will deliver the economic boom Trump promised or if the risks—like inflation or trade wars—will steal the show. I’m cautiously optimistic but keeping my eyes peeled. What do you think—has Trump’s economic sprint impressed you, or are you waiting to see how it all shakes out?
This first 100 days has been a wild ride, and it’s only the beginning. Whether you’re cheering or scratching your head, one thing’s for sure: Trump’s economic agenda is rewriting the playbook, and we’re all along for the ride.
