As Donald Trump’s second term approaches the 100-day mark, reactions reveal a deeply polarized nation, both domestically and internationally. Public opinion polls indicate that Trump’s approval rating has dipped to around 40%, showcasing a significant shift from an initial positive outlook to growing dissent. Concerns about a potential recession and the repercussions of his trade war compound the anxiety many Americans feel toward the current administration.
Readers from across the globe have shared their thoughts, with sentiments ranging from optimism to despair regarding the president’s first days in office. Many have characterized these 100 days as an extraordinary whirlwind of chaos and disillusionment.
James McGraw, a 76-year-old retired man from Louisiana, reflected on his personal experience by stating, “The 100 worst days of my life.” Others echoed similar sentiments, like a reader from New Zealand, who noted, “It’s extraordinary that he has made 100 days feel like 1,000.” The emotional toll of these first days has affected numerous Americans, including T Handley from Alabama, who affirms, “I’m fearful of the future…we’ve gone backwards.”
Criticism of Trump’s governance has proliferated, with Amanda Harris, a caregiver from Louisiana, stating that the pace at which he’s dismantling constitutional norms makes her feel “afraid and powerless.”
Conversely, some Trump supporters defended the actions taken during this period. One Florida resident, identified as David, proclaimed, “The end of ‘woke’ nonsense…has been a welcome step forward.” David expressed excitement for the president’s focus on reducing government excess and rooting out corruption, which he believes would lead to greater efficiency.
However, pessimism prevails in the commentary from those who see the Trump administration as a danger to democracy and international relationships. “He’s an abuser, he’s a liar…” a Maine resident named Chris summarized succinctly. The frequency of commentaries mentioning erosion of rights, social safety nets, and the nation’s standing in the world suggests a wider concern among critics about Trump’s policies.
Many responses highlight a desire for accountability from the government and a frustration with Congress’s inaction against what they view as a concerning regime. Lacy, a marketing consultant from Colorado, lamented the lack of action, stating that she has yet to witness anything “bad enough” to provoke a response to Trump’s behavior.
Meanwhile, discussions around Trump’s Project 2025 indicate that some citizens are aware of his administration’s moves and seemingly deliberate departures from norms. Individuals like Shirley Deakins interpret his swift actions as strategic yet alarming, suggesting that the country is witnessing alarming shifts toward autocracy.
The voice of older Americans has been particularly vocal. Several retirees expressed deep fears about losing their social security benefits and ensuring stability for future generations amid economic turmoil. Andrew Maxwell, an in-home caregiver from Washington, observed heartbreaking changes in his elderly patients, who worry about their livelihoods under Trump’s policies.
Comments about Trump’s economic management have underscored a growing anxiety over tariffs and fiscal decisions. One business owner noted that Trump’s tariffs have led to significant losses, estimating a 20% drop in business. Similarly, a retired professor stated that the current trajectory suggests a potential ‘Trumpression’—a Trump-led economic downturn.
Beyond economics, a pattern emerges regarding Trump’s foreign relations policies and their impact on America’s global standing. A software engineer from California remarked on the erosion of soft power and questioned whether the U.S. is nearing a status of pariah in the world stage.
Concern about the U.S.’s internal dynamics and the impact of Trump’s administration on civil liberties has also surfaced in numerous reflections. Many responded with alarm about his alleged pursuit of an autocratic governance style, with Kathy Callaway remembering her father’s sacrifice during World War II and expressing rage at the current disregard for international alliances.
Among many alarming comments surrounding the decline of democracy, a healthcare worker from Oregon stated, “The Maga party is a danger to our country,” demonstrating the depth of fear among critics regarding the current political climate.
A recurring theme throughout the narratives indicates that Trump’s aggressive political stance coincides with the dismantling of foundations that uphold democratic values, leading some to question whether American democracy is already under threat.
Common thoughts among readers referenced a loss of hope for democratic integrity, with one former proud American expressing deep shame over the’s unfolding situation, having witnessed significant shifts in governance methods.
As a contrast, some supporters continue to champion Trump’s efforts, framing his unorthodox tactics as fulfilling long-deferred promises. Responses portray a complex image where some remain hopeful for economic revitalization and tighter immigration control.
However, more respondents point to a grim reality that contradicts these claims, indicating the multifaceted layers of opinion surrounding Trump’s presidency. For example, concerns were raised about the heavy-handed tactics against dissenters, shown in a librarian’s fears about increasing far-right challenges to her profession and values.
The continuing economic turmoil exacerbated by tariffs placed under the Trump administration has resonated across many responses, leading to worries not only about personal fiscal health but also about broader implications for the market and the international community.
Furthermore, as protests and activism continue to rise in response to perceived governmental overreach, constituents like Teri Poyner express dismay at the retrenchment of rights, lamenting a significant backward movement in social progress under Trump’s leadership.
The stark contrast between enthusiastic supporters and terrified critics paints a picture of a divided America, grappling with fears surrounding national identity, governance, and future stability in the face of ongoing chaos.
As the nation reflects on the past 100 days, it is clear that the discourse surrounding Trump’s presidency encapsulates fear, hope, denial, and an ongoing struggle to define what America should stand for in a rapidly changing world.
What’s next remains uncertain, but the voices of both supporters and dissenters are likely to shape the future discourse as the country navigates this tumultuous period.
image source from：https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/30/trump-100-days-reaction-responses
