5 successes and failures of President Trump in the first 100 days of his term

(Baonghean.vn) - April 29, 2017 marks 100 days since Mr. Trump was sworn in as the 45th president of the United States. During that time, he has encountered many obstacles. Below are his successes and failures in the past 100 days.

1. Build a wall on the border with Mexico

Many people think that Donald Trump's plan to build a wall on the Mexican border is cruel and unfeasible. Meanwhile, his supporters often chant the slogan: "Build the wall".

Building a wall on the border with Mexico was one of Trump's signature campaign promises. Supporters cheered when he said he would make Mexico pay for the project. But campaign rhetoric has been easier than turning it into action in Washington.

While the Department of Homeland Security says construction will begin this summer, it’s unclear where the money will come from. Congress will need to find billions of dollars to make the wall a reality, creating a standoff between the president and lawmakers, with many Democrats and even Republicans, especially those in areas along the US-Mexico border, not interested in opening their wallets to Mr. Trump’s project.

2. Selection of Supreme Court Justices

Mr. Neil Gorsuch was sworn in as US Supreme Court Justice in the Rose Garden of the White House on April 10, 2017. Photo: Reuters

Trump promised to pick a new Supreme Court justice from a list he released during the campaign, and he delivered. The Senate's confirmation of Neil Gorsuch was the most important achievement of Trump's early term.

"I see a lot of people saying the most important thing a president of the United States does is appoint personnel. I hope people like this appointment," Mr. Trump said at Mr. Gorsuch's swearing-in ceremony at the White House.

With this decision, the US president has pleased Republican lawmakers by choosing a reliable conservative for the Supreme Court. They can continue to support the US president in the hope that there will be more nominees like Mr. Gorsuch in the future.

3. Changes to the Health Bill

Republican lawmakers on March 25, 2017 withdrew President Donald Trump's healthcare bill, just before voting to replace Obamacare. Photo: US House Speaker Ryan walks out after a meeting in Congress. Photo: NYT

Repealing and replacing Obamacare was also a prominent promise of Mr. Trump. However, in March, Republican lawmakers withdrew the Obamacare replacement health care bill just before it was to be voted on in the House, knowing it would not receive enough support.

The failure underscored Trump’s inexperience in negotiating for his support, and his inability to push a coherent agenda.

4. Immigration policy

Protest against Trump's immigration policy in New York City. Photo: New York Daily

The Trump administration has tried to make good on its immigration promises. The US president has twice signed executive orders to limit the refugee program and block citizens of several Muslim-majority countries from coming to the US, but these orders have been blocked by several federal judges.

Mr. Trump also threatened to cut off funding to “sanctuary cities” (places that help illegal immigrants) that do not fully cooperate with federal immigration officials. The US president also ordered a review of immigration programs, including the H-1B visa for skilled immigrants and the hiring of more border patrol agents and immigration court judges.

The number of illegal immigrants apprehended has increased by 32.6% in the first 1.5 months of Trump's term, according to the Washington Post, showing that the US president's tough stance on immigration has had an impact.

5. Foreign policy

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (left) is the first leader to meet US President-elect Donald Trump.

During his campaign, Mr. Trump talked about getting tough on the Islamic State (IS), Iran, China, and mending relations with Russia. Above all, he promised to put Americans first, reducing support for U.S. allies and international alliances he considered burdensome.

As president, he withdrew the US from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) as promised and began the process of revising the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

Mr Trump has called on foreign leaders such as German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni to increase military spending. However, unlike during his campaign, he has acknowledged the value of NATO, saying the alliance is no longer obsolete but emphasizing the financial obligations member countries must meet.

Peace

(Synthetic)