Trump’s First 100 Days: All What You Need To Know
In the first 100 days of Donald J. Trump’s presidency—ending late April 2017—American voters were sharply divided. With a presidency marked by bold executive orders, high-profile firings, and a flurry of controversial tweets, public opinion served as a crucial metric to gauge the early trajectory of the Trump administration. Polling data from reputable institutions revealed a complex picture of national sentiment, often split along partisan lines.
Overall Approval Rating
National Approval Average
Trump’s national job approval rating at the 100-day mark stood at 41%, according to Gallup’s April 2017 poll. This figure represented the lowest approval rating at 100 days for any U.S. president in the modern era. For context, Barack Obama held a 65% approval rating at the same point in his presidency.
Historical Comparison to Past Presidents
Presidents typically enjoy a “honeymoon period,” where approval is relatively high. Trump, however, experienced no such bump. Compared to George W. Bush (62%) and Bill Clinton (55%), Trump’s numbers reflected significant national division from the outset.
Partisan Divide in Approval
Republican vs. Democrat Support
Polls conducted by Pew Research showed an unprecedented 76-point partisan gap in Trump’s approval rating: 85% among Republicans vs. 9% among Democrats. No president in recent history had faced such a stark contrast in support based on party affiliation within their first 100 days.
Independent Voter Trends
Among independents, a crucial voting bloc, support hovered around 38%, suggesting skepticism toward the new administration. These voters expressed concern about Trump’s tone, unpredictability, and reliance on social media as a communications tool.
Trustworthiness and Transparency
Poll on Honesty and Ethics
An ABC/Washington Post poll found that only 38% of Americans believed Trump was honest and trustworthy, while 58% disagreed. This perception raised concerns among both moderates and independents about the reliability of White House communication.
Perception of Trump’s Use of Social Media
In a Quinnipiac University poll, 69% of voters said Trump should stop tweeting, suggesting that his online presence was viewed as unpresidential or distracting from policy issues.
Handling of Key Issues
Immigration and Border Policy
One of Trump’s signature issues, immigration, remained a flashpoint. A CBS News poll showed 50% support for stricter immigration policies, but only 39% approved of the administration’s handling of the issue overall, reflecting division over tactics like travel bans.
Health Care Reform Efforts
Efforts to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act faltered in the early days. According to NBC/WSJ, only 36% approved of Trump’s handling of health care, with many citing a lack of clarity or rushed legislative attempts.
Economic Plans and Job Creation
On economic matters, Trump fared better. A CNN/ORC poll showed 54% approval for how he was handling the economy, fueled by stock market gains and optimism about corporate tax reform.
Foreign Policy and Diplomacy
Handling of International Relations
Foreign affairs proved another mixed area. A Fox News poll indicated 43% approval of Trump’s handling of international relations, with concerns arising after abrupt foreign policy shifts.
North Korea and Syria Response Polls
Following the Syria airstrike and increasing tensions with North Korea, Trump’s approval on foreign policy temporarily rose to 50%, suggesting that strong action abroad sometimes rallied support—even from skeptics.
Congressional Relations
Public Perception of Legislative Collaboration
Trump’s struggles with Congress were apparent early. Only 35% of Americans thought he was working effectively with Congress, according to Pew Research. The Republican-majority House and Senate still failed to pass major legislative wins in the first 100 days.
Views on Trump’s Executive Orders
While Trump signed more executive orders than any president in recent history during their first 100 days, only 45% of respondents approved of this strategy. Critics viewed it as circumventing democratic debate, while supporters saw it as decisive action.
Media and Public Communication
Media Trust vs. Presidential Messaging
A CBS poll showed that 53% of Americans trusted the media over Trump when it came to providing accurate information. This number highlighted the ongoing battle between the White House and major news outlets, a hallmark of Trump’s early days.
Polls on “Fake News” Claims
While Trump repeatedly branded unfavorable reports as “fake news,” a Monmouth University poll showed only 37% believed that mainstream media intentionally reported fake news, suggesting the public wasn’t entirely sold on the president’s narrative.
Summary of Public Sentiment
Common Themes Across Polls
The polls painted a clear picture: deep political polarization, questions about trust and tone, yet a measure of confidence in Trump’s economic approach and foreign policy decisiveness. His presidency was divisive from the start, but not without areas of support.
What Polls Suggest About Public Mood
The American public appeared fatigued by confrontation, yet still deeply engaged in politics. Trump’s unconventional style sparked intense interest—supporters admired his disruptiveness, while critics questioned his qualifications.
Donald Trump’s first 100 days were defined by bold action, partisan division, and a reshaping of political norms. The seven poll numbers summarized here reveal a presidency that polarized, provoked, and energized the electorate. Whether these early figures foretold the rest of his term or were simply a product of his controversial entry into office, they captured a nation in flux.
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