In his return to the Oval Office, President Donald J. Trump has wasted no time reshaping American policy across immigration, trade, and the economy. In an exclusive interview with ABC News marking his first 100 days, Trump defended a flurry of early actions—from headline-making deportations to sweeping tariffs. Here are ten key decisions that define his early second-term agenda—and what they could signal for the road ahead.
1. Fast-Tracked Mass Deportations With Speed & Scale
In a sweeping return to his earlier immigration stance, President Trump has prioritized mass deportations, claiming that “21 million people” had entered the U.S. during the previous administration. He stated, “They came from all over the world—prisons, mental institutions, gang members, murderers.” More than 200 Venezuelans were deported within weeks, some reportedly to a prison in El Salvador. When questioned about due process, Trump said, “We can’t give 21 million trials. We have to act fast.”.
“Did they get hearings when Biden allowed 21 million — I think it’s 20 million people to flow into our country? 20 million people came in through our country through a stupid open border. They were prisons and people you don’t want in many cases in our country. They came from all over the world, from the Congo, came from South, all over the world.”
2. Supreme Court Compliance Under Scrutiny
In a widely reported case, Trump’s administration deported a man protected by a court order, prompting the Supreme Court to demand his return. The President responded that he wasn’t making that decision, saying, “He came here illegally,” “He had MS-13 on his knuckles,” rejecting claims of error and saying, “I follow the law. But I was elected to fix this problem.” while distancing himself from direct action.
3. Southern Border Crossings Drop Sharply. Emphasis on Border Security as a Central Victory
Trump cited border security as one of his top accomplishments, attributing a steep decline in illegal crossings to his administration’s policies. “Now it’s totally closed down,” he claimed, reinforcing the narrative that strong immigration control was a cornerstone of his second-term agenda. The administration also posted visuals at the White House of deported individuals accused of violent crimes, aiming to demonstrate the effectiveness of its strategy. “It’s an undeniable fact—99.9% drop. Nobody thought that could happen.” Posters displayed at the White House highlighted individuals deported under new policies.
Elizabeth Frantz/REUTERS
4. High Tariffs Introduced Amid Global Trade Tensions
Trump imposed tariffs as high as 145% on Chinese imports, arguing they would protect American manufacturing and reduce reliance on foreign goods.“China will probably eat those tariffs,” he said. “They were making $1 trillion a year off us. That’s not happening anymore.” When asked about the potential impact on small businesses, he responded, “They’ll make more money.” However, many economists warned that such policies could increase costs for consumers and strain small retailers who depend on affordable overseas sourcing.
5. Statements on the Economy Face Mixed Reactions
Amid inflation concerns, Trump asserted that his policies had begun to bring prices down. “Eggs are down 87%. Gasoline hit $1.98 in some states. Groceries are down. Everything’s down,” he said. While some regional data show falling fuel prices, broader economic indicators remain mixed. Trump emphasized falling prices on groceries, gas, and eggs, crediting his administration’s trade and energy policies. “Gasoline is way down. Groceries are down,” he said.
While some Americans welcomed relief at the pump, others pointed to lingering inflation in different sectors, with analysts noting that the picture may vary depending on region and economic status.
6. Legal Interpretations Delegated to Administration Lawyers
Pressed on whether deported individuals were being granted hearings, Trump said, “They get whatever my lawyers say.” hearings, Trump said, “They get whatever my lawyers say.” This has raised questions among legal scholars about how executive discretion is being applied in immigration enforcement—a strategy by many ways to skirt public accountability.
7. Oval Office Aesthetics Reflect Ideological Leanings
Trump redesigned the Oval Office by showcasing portraits of past presidents like Ronald Reagan, FDR, and Monroe describing the space as “a gallery of presidents” and “beautification.” “I’m a very detailed person. I like cleanliness. I’ve added a lot in terms of beautification,” While not unusual for presidents to personalize the office, the selection and prominence of certain figures invited interpretations about which aspects of American history the administration sought to elevate or align with.
8. Continuing Tensions with the Press
The ABC News interview became tense at times, with Trump responding to tough questions by saying, “Frankly, I never heard of you” to ABC’s Terry Moran. He also challenged fact-checking over claims related to MS-13 tattoos, declaring, “This is why people no longer believe the news.” The President’s media posture has remained a defining element of his leadership style, resonating with supporters who distrust the press, while concerning others who view it as undermining institutional accountability.
9. Framing Immigration Through a National Security Lens
Trump’s rhetoric around immigration continues to focus on national security. “They were murderers… they came from all over the world,” he said, referring to undocumented migrants.
“Venezuela’s crime rate is down. Do you know why? Because their criminals are now living happily in the United States,” he stated. rhetoric that draws strong support from his supporters. The exact crime-to-deportation correlation is disputed.
10. Diplomacy and the Ukraine Peace Talks
In a notable international moment, Trump met with President Zelenskyy at the funeral of Pope Francis at the Vatican to discuss possible peace solutions in Ukraine. Describing it as “Biden’s war,” Trump positioned himself as a broker for peace, stating his intent to end the conflict. The meeting, photographed and circulated widely, signals Trump’s approach to global conflicts and the effectiveness of Trump’s diplomatic approach.
It’s only been 100 days into President Trump’s second term, yet the administration has already made a series of sweeping decisions—some controversial, others popular—that are drawing attention not only for their boldness, but also for how they are being communicated and implemented. From immigration enforcement to trade policy, these actions offer a window into a presidency that remains highly influential and deeply polarizing. As voters, lawmakers, and historians assess this period, the conversation about its long-term implications for governance, law, and national identity is far from over.
