“The Trump presidency has ended the relative peace in the western hemisphere since the end of the second world war underwritten by U.S. economic, military and diplomatic influence.”
Washington, D.C. (SR) – President Donald Trump’s second term has begun with a frenetic pace, reshaping the U.S. government and global trade landscape in his first 100 days. According to The Guardian, Trump’s administration has prioritized sweeping tariffs, government downsizing through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), and a foreign policy overhaul, sparking both domestic and international debate.
The Guardian reports, “Trump and his aides sought to bill 2 April 2025 – the day he presented sweeping tariffs on much of the world, including China – as ‘liberation day’.” However, the plan faced immediate backlash.
After a global market sell-off and recession warnings, the administration scaled back, with most countries now facing a 10% tariff instead of higher rates, except for China, where tariffs remain at 145%.
This tit-for-tat escalation has intensified the U.S.-China trade war, with The Guardian noting, “While Trump has repeatedly pulled back from the brink of all-out economic war with most countries, China is the exception.”
Elon Musk’s role in DOGE has been a lightning rod for criticism.
The Guardian states, “Elon Musk proved a potent target for the opposition, given his prominent role leading Doge as it slashed through the federal government.” DOGE’s aggressive cuts have targeted agencies like the National Labor Relations Board and the Peace Corps, prompting protests and lawsuits. Federal workers have picketed, and “Tesla Takedown” protests have impacted Musk’s company stock. The Guardian highlights, “As Doge cut through agency after agency, people turned up outside federal offices in opposition.”
Trump’s foreign policy has also drawn scrutiny.
http://Annexing GreenlandThe Guardian observes, “For U.S. foreign policy, Donald Trump’s first 100 days in office were the weeks when decades happened.” Actions like cutting aid to Ukraine, launching strikes on Yemen’s Houthis, and alienating allies have led to the U.S. being termed an “unpredictable ally.” Outlandish proposals, such as annexing Greenland or retaking the Panama Canal, have further damaged America’s global reputation, per The Guardian’s analysis.
Economically, Trump’s tariff strategy has injected uncertainty.
The Guardian reports, “His trade war injected chaos into the economy, undermining a campaign promise to lower prices and raising the spectre of recession.” Consumer sentiment has plummeted, and economists warn of higher prices and potential economic slowdown. Despite this, Trump remains defiant, with The Guardian quoting him claiming 200 trade deals, though he declined to name specific countries.
David Perdue’s confirmation as ambassador to China, reported by The Guardian, underscores the administration’s focus on the U.S.-China rivalry. With a Senate vote of 67 to 29, Perdue steps into a role amid escalating trade tensions. The Guardian notes, “A majority of the Senate has backed one-time senator David Perdue to be ambassador to China, a position the former business executive assumes amid a deep strategic rivalry and blistering trade war between the two countries.”
Domestically, DOGE’s cuts have sparked legal challenges.
The Guardian reports, “Democrats have warned that cuts to the U.S.’s top labor watchdog threaten to render the organization ‘basically ineffectual’ and will be ‘catastrophic’ for workers’ rights.” Lawsuits from ousted employees and affected businesses argue that Trump’s tariffs and DOGE’s actions overstep legal bounds.
As Trump prepares to mark his first 100 days with a speech in Warren, Michigan, The Guardian reflects on the broader impact: “The Trump presidency has ended the relative peace in the western hemisphere since the end of the second world war underwritten by U.S. economic, military and diplomatic influence.” The administration’s alignment with Project 2025, a conservative policy blueprint, has further polarized opinion.
While Trump’s supporters view his business acumen as a strength, critics argue his policies risk economic disaster. The Guardian concludes, “The only check that I can see is when something he does could very well lead to an economic disaster of one kind or another. It’s only when that seems clear that he basically pulls back.” As the next 100 days unfold, the world watches to see if Trump’s bold gambits stabilize or further disrupt the global order.
Trump’s First 100 Days: Tariffs, DOGE Reshape U.S. Economy (April 28, 2025)
#Trump100Days #TradeWars #DOGE #USEconomy #Tariffs
Tags: Trump administration, tariffs, DOGE, U.S. economy, trade war, Elon Musk, foreign policy, Project 2025
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