39% Approval Rating For Trump: Analysis Of The First 100 Days And Travel Restrictions

Axel S�rensen

5 min read

Post on Apr 30, 2025

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The First 100 Days: A Tempestuous Start

The first 100 days of the Trump presidency were marked by a whirlwind of activity, characterized by a rapid-fire succession of executive orders and significant legislative challenges. This period set the stage for the low presidential approval ratings that followed. The sheer volume and often controversial nature of these early executive orders significantly impacted public perception. Key policy areas affected included healthcare, environmental regulations, and immigration, all of which faced immediate and intense public scrutiny.

Subpoints:

• Rapid-fire executive orders: Trump’s administration issued numerous executive orders in its first 100 days, many reversing Obama-era policies. Examples include the withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement and the rollback of environmental regulations. These actions, while fulfilling campaign promises, alienated many who favored the previous policies. The speed and scope of these changes led to a sense of chaos and uncertainty.

• Legislative challenges: The Trump administration faced significant hurdles in passing key legislation through Congress. Efforts to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA), a central campaign promise, failed to gain sufficient support, highlighting the limitations of the administration’s legislative power and further contributing to the low Trump approval rating.

• Public perception of leadership: The combination of rapid-fire executive orders and legislative setbacks created a perception of an administration struggling to implement its agenda effectively. This perception, amplified by extensive media coverage, played a substantial role in shaping negative public opinion and lowering the Trump approval rating.

Bullet Points:

• The executive order on immigration, temporarily banning travelers from several Muslim-majority countries, immediately generated widespread protests and legal challenges.
• Polls conducted during this period showed a significant drop in Trump's approval rating compared to his inauguration day numbers.
• Media coverage was highly polarized, with some outlets praising the administration's actions while others heavily criticized them, contributing to a highly divided public discourse.

The Travel Ban: A Defining Moment

The controversial travel ban, formally known as Executive Order 13769, stands as a defining moment of Trump's first 100 days and had a profound impact on his presidential approval ratings. This executive order temporarily suspended entry into the United States for citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries.

Subpoints:

• The specifics of the travel ban: The ban targeted citizens from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen, sparking immediate outrage and widespread condemnation both domestically and internationally. The stated rationale was national security, but critics argued it was discriminatory and violated constitutional principles.

• Public outcry and protests: The travel ban prompted massive protests across the United States and around the world. Airports became focal points of demonstrations, as individuals affected by the ban and their supporters rallied against the policy. These protests gained significant media attention, further amplifying public discontent.

• Impact on international relations: The travel ban strained US relationships with numerous countries, damaging diplomatic ties and creating uncertainty in international collaborations. This negative international response added another layer of criticism to the already highly controversial policy.

• Long-term consequences: The travel ban faced numerous legal challenges and was ultimately modified in revised versions. However, it significantly impacted US immigration policy and public trust in the administration, leaving a lasting legacy on the Trump approval rating and contributing to ongoing debates about immigration and national security.

Bullet Points:

• Multiple lawsuits challenged the legality of the travel ban, leading to court battles that lasted for months.
• Numerous human rights organizations condemned the ban as discriminatory and harmful.
• The ban significantly impacted the lives of individuals and families, causing separation and creating significant hardships.

Economic Performance During the First 100 Days

The economic performance during Trump's first 100 days provided another key lens through which to assess his early presidential approval ratings. While the administration pointed to positive economic indicators, the overall effect on public perception was mixed and complex.

Subpoints:

• Initial economic data: While some positive economic trends continued from the previous administration, such as job growth, the overall economic picture during this period was somewhat ambiguous, not providing a clear and universally accepted narrative that boosted Trump approval rating.

• Analysis of economic policies: Trump’s economic policies, which included tax cuts and deregulation, were expected to stimulate economic growth. However, the initial impact of these policies was not immediately evident in the first 100 days.

• Public perception of economic performance: Public perception of economic performance is often influenced by a variety of factors, and the first 100 days did not offer a sufficiently dramatic shift in economic realities to dramatically shift public opinion. Other events, such as the travel ban, likely overshadowed the impact of early economic data on the Trump approval rating.

Bullet Points:

• GDP growth figures for the first quarter of 2017 showed a moderate increase but didn't significantly deviate from previous quarters.
• The unemployment rate remained relatively stable, continuing a trend that had already been established before the new administration.
• Expert opinions on the early economic performance were divided, with some analysts expressing optimism while others warned of potential negative consequences of the administration's policies.

Conclusion

Donald Trump's 39% approval rating after his first 100 days was a result of a complex interplay of factors. The rapid-fire implementation of controversial executive orders, the significant challenges faced in passing key legislation, and particularly, the highly contentious travel ban, all contributed to shaping a negative public perception. While economic indicators offered a mixed picture, they did not override the political controversies of the time. The combination of these elements significantly impacted the Trump approval rating, setting a tone for the remainder of his presidency. Understanding the factors influencing presidential approval ratings is crucial for informed political engagement. Continue learning about the historical context and evolving impact of the Trump administration's policies, and further research the long-term effects of the initial 100 days and the travel ban on Trump approval rating and public discourse.