Washington: As President Donald Trump prepares to mark his first 100 days in office, White House officials are already looking toward the next 100 days, with an emphasis on securing trade deals and advancing peace talks. While celebrating his administration’s achievements, Trump’s team also teased new initiatives, describing them as “torpedoes” that could take shape in the coming months.
Since his inauguration on January 20, Trump has moved swiftly to implement a range of bold domestic and foreign policy changes. From implementing tariffs that have reshaped the global economic landscape to reducing the size of the federal government through job cuts, his administration has focused on reshaping the U.S. domestic and foreign policy framework. In addition to these efforts, Trump has targeted sectors like academia, law firms, and the judiciary, drawing sharp criticism from his adversaries.
This week, Trump is set to travel to Michigan for a rally, where he will highlight the accomplishments of his first 100 days in office. These include his economic policies, efforts to remove undocumented immigrants, adjustments to foreign policy, and the work of Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, which aims to streamline the federal bureaucracy and reduce waste.
A White House official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, described the upcoming 100-day period as a “conservative’s fantasy,” signaling more sweeping changes. “Every morning I wake up, it’s like living in a dreamscape,” the official said, underlining the administration’s sense of satisfaction with its work so far.
However, while Trump’s allies praise his swift and extensive policy shifts, critics argue that these changes have infringed upon the rights of various groups and have weakened the U.S.’s global standing. Notable actions, such as cutting funding for universities perceived to be tolerant of anti-Semitic behavior, restricting transgender rights, and dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, have left a significant imprint on American society.
The White House official hinted at further changes, referring to them as “torpedoes under the water,” with more executive actions on the horizon. This includes a travel ban aimed at citizens from several countries, an initiative that has faced setbacks in the courts. Trump’s administration has voiced frustration with judicial rulings that challenge its policies, accusing judges of blocking the will of the people and the president.
Also Read | Pakistan on Edge After India Vows to Cut Water Supply Over Kashmir
In the coming 100 days, the president plans to shift his focus toward trade negotiations and peace efforts. Earlier this year, Trump initiated a global trade war, imposing tariffs on several countries. While the tariffs are largely on hold to facilitate negotiations, the administration hopes to secure agreements within the next 90 days. However, experts remain skeptical, pointing out that Trump has yet to finalize any major trade deals, and his approach to talks, particularly with China, has frequently clashed with the narratives presented by other countries.
Also Read | Deadly Crash at Vancouver’s Filipino Festival Leaves Multiple Victims
In addition to domestic efforts, Trump is preparing for an international trip next month, which will take him to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. The president will continue to push for peace in the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, a conflict he had promised to resolve on his first day in office. However, with peace still elusive, Trump recently acknowledged that Russian President Vladimir Putin may not be interested in ending the war.