Trump Faces Tougher Tests After First 100 Days in Office

President Donald Trump stormed through his first 100 days with a flurry of executive orders aimed at fulfilling campaign promises, shrinking government, and redefining America’s role on the global stage.

But now comes the real challenge. As the self-styled dealmaker-in-chief shifts from unilateral action to legislative negotiation, he must unite a divided Republican Party to turn his sweeping agenda into lasting law.

“Trump’s first 100 days were remarkable for their pace and impact. Now comes the hard part,” said Stephen Dover, a leading market strategist. “The focus now shifts to passing legislation and reducing the deficit—tasks that demand coalition-building in Congress.”

Trump signed over 140 executive orders targeting immigration, cultural issues, and bureaucratic cuts. But executive power has limits. Key reforms—especially those requiring public spending—must pass through Congress.

The president now faces the complex task of pushing through tax reforms, expanded border security, and energy policies in both chambers, even as approval ratings slip amid economic jitters and controversies over immigration and trade.

Executive orders, while swift, are fragile. They can be overturned by future administrations or blocked by courts, as Trump experienced early in his presidency. A durable legacy demands legislation—a feat that has so far eluded him on many fronts.

His first term saw diplomatic milestones like the Abraham Accords and a revamped trade pact with Canada. But major legislative efforts, such as repealing the Affordable Care Act or securing a deal with North Korea, fell short.

During his initial 100 days, only five bills became law—the fewest in decades. Now, with a self-imposed July 4 deadline, Republicans are pushing to extend Trump’s 2017 tax cuts and scrap taxes on tips, overtime, and Social Security payments.

But the road is rocky. Conservatives demand deep spending cuts to offset the projected $5 trillion cost of the tax plan. Moderates, wary of midterm backlash, are unwilling to slash Medicaid and other social programs.

“It’s going to be a lot trickier,” said political consultant Andrew Koneschusky. “With tax bills, math is the ultimate adult in the room. The numbers must add up—and that’s no easy task with such a divided caucus.”

Time is not on Trump’s side. The battle for the House in 2026 looms large, and any failure to pass key legislation could stall his agenda.

Using the Senate’s budget reconciliation process, Trump can bypass Democratic support if specific criteria are met. That’s fortunate, as Democratic leaders have vowed to block his agenda at every turn.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries called the president’s proposals “unconscionable” and “un-American,” pledging to ensure they “never rise again.”