Reflection on Trump’s first days

Saadia Akhtar

This Saturday will mark President Trump’s 100th day in office.

The American tradition of judging a president’s first 100 days originates from President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s revolutionary actions immediately following inauguration. Roosevelt introduced numerous policies, later known as the New Deal, to combat the Great Depression.

How does Trump live up to the criticism and praise of his first 100 days? To answer that question, look at what Trump promised he would accomplish in the time frame.

After a controversial abstinence from confirming Obama’s choice replacement for Justice Antonin Scalia by Congress, Trump appointed Neil Gorsuch. This was a supported choice among conservatives.

Repealing and replacing Obamacare was one of Trump’s biggest promises receiving support from Republicans. However, Speaker of the House Paul Ryan was unable to procure enough votes from the House for the Obamacare replacement, the American Healthcare Act. The more conservative faction of the House, The Freedom Caucus, was largely against it, and the inability to unify Republicans was a failure on Trump’s part.

Trump lifted all restrictions on the Keystone XL pipeline that will allow crude oil to be transported from Canada to the Gulf Coast, reflecting on his commitment to have rapid growth in the energy sector regardless of the consequences on the environment.

One of Trump’s key campaign promises— one in which he declared his candidacy— was the construction of a wall on the border dividing the U.S. and Mexico to combat illegal immigration and drugs.

Mexico has repeatedly said that it will not provide money for construction. Congress also has not found a way to find funding for the wall and a government shutdown looms as a result.

Trump has done quite a bit in his first 100 days, but with mixed reviews.

Email [email protected].