Analysis Of President Trump's First 100 Days: A 39% Approval Rating Explained

Chloe Fitzgerald

6 min read

Post on May 01, 2025

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Key Policy Initiatives and Their Reception

President Trump's initial policy initiatives played a significant role in shaping public perception and his approval rating during his first 100 days. Several key areas heavily influenced the outcome.

The Travel Ban

The controversial travel ban, initially targeting several Muslim-majority countries, ignited immediate and widespread public outcry. This "Muslim Ban," as it was frequently labeled in the media, faced numerous legal challenges, leading to revised executive orders.

• Initial public outcry: Protests erupted across the US and globally, highlighting concerns about religious discrimination and potential violations of human rights.
• Legal challenges: The ban was met with swift legal action, resulting in temporary injunctions and modifications to the original order.
• Revised executive orders: Subsequent versions of the executive order attempted to address some of the legal and public relations concerns, but the controversy persisted.
• Impact on Muslim communities: The ban significantly impacted Muslim communities, causing fear, uncertainty, and separation from families.
• Media coverage and its influence on public opinion: Intense media coverage, often highly polarized, significantly shaped public perception of the ban, contributing to the negative impact on the President's approval rating. Keywords: Travel Ban, Executive Order, Muslim Ban, Public Opinion, Presidential Approval

Healthcare Reform Attempts

President Trump's efforts (or rather, lack thereof) to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA) also significantly impacted his approval rating.

• Failure to pass legislation: Despite repeated attempts, the Republican-controlled Congress failed to pass legislation to repeal and replace the ACA, a key campaign promise.
• Internal Republican divisions: Deep divisions within the Republican party itself hindered the process, preventing a unified approach to healthcare reform.
• Public reactions to proposed changes: Proposed changes to the ACA sparked widespread public concern, with many fearing reduced healthcare access and increased costs.
• Impact on healthcare access: Uncertainty surrounding the future of the ACA created anxiety among millions of Americans reliant on the healthcare law for coverage.
• Media narratives surrounding healthcare reform: Media narratives heavily focused on the perceived failures of the administration to deliver on its promises, further negatively affecting public opinion. Keywords: Affordable Care Act (ACA), Healthcare Reform, Repeal and Replace, Legislative Failure, Public Health

Economic Policies and Their Impact

The early economic policies implemented by the Trump administration, while generating some positive economic indicators, did not universally translate into increased public approval.

• Tax cuts: While tax cuts were eventually passed later in his term, their initial absence impacted public perception of economic progress during his first 100 days.
• Deregulation efforts: Efforts to deregulate various sectors were met with mixed reactions, with some praising the potential for economic growth and others expressing concerns about environmental protection and consumer safety.
• Job creation statistics: While some job creation was reported, it didn't meet the expectations set during the campaign, dampening enthusiasm.
• Economic growth forecasts: Initial economic growth forecasts were positive, but the lack of immediate tangible benefits for many Americans limited their impact on public opinion.
• Public perception of economic conditions: Overall, public perception of economic conditions remained relatively unchanged during the first 100 days, failing to provide a significant boost to the President's approval rating. Keywords: Economic Policy, Tax Cuts, Deregulation, Job Creation, Economic Growth

Communication Strategy and Public Perception

President Trump's communication style significantly influenced public perception and contributed to his 39% approval rating.

The Role of Social Media

President Trump's prolific use of social media, particularly Twitter, played a significant role in shaping public discourse and his image.

• Frequency and tone of tweets: The frequent and often controversial tone of his tweets generated both strong support and fierce opposition.
• Direct communication with supporters: Direct communication with supporters via social media bypassed traditional media outlets, creating a direct line of communication but also alienating others.
• Controversies sparked by social media posts: Numerous controversies stemmed from social media posts, further fueling negative media coverage and public criticism.
• Media interpretation of social media activity: The media's interpretation of his social media activity often amplified controversies and shaped public opinion.
• Impact on public trust: The unconventional use of social media raised questions about the President's seriousness and trustworthiness, negatively impacting his approval rating. Keywords: Social Media, Twitter, Presidential Communication, Public Trust, Media Bias

Relationship with the Media

The strained relationship between President Trump and the mainstream media further contributed to the low approval rating.

• Frequent criticism of the "fake news" media: Frequent criticism of the media as "fake news" eroded public trust in both the President and the media.
• Access to information: Limited access to information and press briefings hindered the media's ability to report on the administration's activities objectively.
• The impact of negative media coverage on public perception: Negative media coverage, whether accurate or not, contributed to a negative public perception.
• Alternative news sources and their influence: The rise of alternative news sources further fragmented the information landscape, making it difficult to gauge public opinion accurately. Keywords: Fake News, Media Relations, Presidential Press Conferences, Public Discourse, Media Influence

Other Contributing Factors to the 39% Approval Rating

Beyond policy and communication, other factors influenced President Trump's initial approval rating.

The Investigation into Russian Interference

The ongoing investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election cast a long shadow over the first 100 days.

• Public perception of the investigation: Public perception of the investigation was highly polarized, with supporters viewing it as a "witch hunt" and critics demanding accountability.
• Impact on political stability: The investigation raised concerns about political stability and the integrity of the election process.
• Media coverage and its effect on public opinion: Extensive media coverage of the investigation further polarized public opinion.
• Potential for impeachment proceedings: The possibility of impeachment proceedings loomed large, adding to the uncertainty and contributing to the low approval rating. Keywords: Russian Interference, Election Investigation, Impeachment, Political Stability, Public Trust

Conclusion

President Trump's first 100 days were characterized by significant policy initiatives, a highly contentious relationship with the media, and the ongoing investigation into Russian interference, all contributing to his relatively low 39% approval rating. Analyzing the reception of his key policies, his communication strategies, and the broader political climate reveals a complex interplay of factors shaping public opinion. Understanding the dynamics surrounding President Trump's first 100 days offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by the President and helps contextualize his subsequent actions and policies. To further delve into the intricacies of this pivotal period and its lasting impact, further research into the specific data points and public opinion polls related to President Trump's First 100 Days is encouraged.