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Challenges Facing Trump’s Administration at the 100-Day Mark
As President Trump approaches the 100-day milestone of his administration’s second term, Republicans in Congress are attributing the recent decline in his approval ratings to economic instability and uncertainties surrounding tariffs.
This pivotal moment has been characterized by an array of executive actions, volatile tariff decisions, fluctuations in the stock market, and contentious immigration policies.
A recent Washington Post/ABC News/Ipsos poll highlighted a significant drop in Trump’s approval, which fell from 45 percent in February to 39 percent in March, reflecting a six-point decline within two months.
Similar findings emerged from a survey conducted by The New York Times/Siena College, revealing that only 42 percent of voters nationwide approve of Trump’s performance.
Republican lawmakers suggest that economic troubles are primarily to blame for this downturn.
“The president still enjoys considerable confidence among many people,” noted Senator Shelley Moore Capito from West Virginia, a member of the GOP leadership. “However, the prevailing concerns seem to stem from economic factors, particularly related to tariff policies.”
Capito also mentioned the administration’s efforts to manage immigration at the southern border.
Despite the current challenges, she expressed optimism that economic conditions could swiftly improve. Lawmakers are urging the administration to forge new trade agreements, especially following Trump’s suspension of various tariffs dubbed “Liberation Day.”
“I expect the situation to improve as the administration is working towards a solution,” she stated.
Numerous GOP figures have voiced their concerns regarding the tariff strategies, often trying to provide the president with the necessary space to adjust their approach while expressing personal apprehensions.
Their criticism has occasionally been directed toward Peter Navarro, a leading trade adviser who has consistently advocated for tariff measures within the administration.
Additionally, some Republicans believe factors beyond tariffs may be contributing to the decreasing approval ratings, citing uncertainties related to recent initiatives led by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency.
“While many are on board with the idea of streamlining the executive branch, some are fearful it may adversely impact critical programs such as Medicare and Medicaid,” said Senator Mike Rounds of South Dakota. “This fear of potential negative implications is causing concern among voters.”
Rounds highlighted that while these fears may not have materialized yet, the apprehension exists that changes could come without sufficient warning.
In light of these obstacles, Republican leaders continue to support Trump, viewing public sentiment as a typical phase of any presidential term.
“Presidential terms can be quite tumultuous,” remarked Speaker Mike Johnson from Louisiana when asked about the shifting opinions regarding Trump’s policies. “Recent market fluctuations have contributed to this unease, but I believe things will stabilize.”
Johnson recently engaged with party donors and expressed confidence that supporters remain steadfast, emphasizing that the political landscape is a long-term game.
Representative Lisa McClain from Michigan, chair of the House GOP conference, acknowledged the “short-term discomfort” reflected in the polls but downplayed its significance. “If you evaluate the broader context, the declines aren’t substantial. The president has accomplished a lot in his early days, especially when compared to previous administrations.”
Looking ahead, Johnson and his colleagues are set to focus on advancing the GOP’s impending tax cut proposal, which is still under development. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Kevin Hassett, director of the National Economic Council, recently met with key congressional leaders to discuss the timeline.
“The House is making swift progress, and the Senate seems aligned with us. We are optimistic about reaching a consensus,” Bessent stated.
When asked about the impact of Trump’s declining approval ratings, Johnson pointed towards the forthcoming tax legislation. “We believe this will be a transformative piece of legislation, addressing key issues and stimulating economic growth,” he conveyed.
However, challenges persist within the administration, including personnel changes at the Pentagon that have raised eyebrows among some Republican lawmakers.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has recently come under scrutiny, despite Trump’s public support. Over the weekend, Trump indicated that Hegseth had improvements to address. “I believe he will get it together,” Trump remarked during a recent interview.
Several aides close to Hegseth have been reassigned, and former Pentagon spokesperson John Ullyot has criticized the current state of the Pentagon as being in “disarray,” further complicating matters for the administration.
This situation has left some GOP members concerned about finding the right personnel for crucial roles. “There seems to be a struggle in determining which individuals are best suited for their respective positions,” observed Rounds.
Some Republicans contend that after the Biden administration’s exit, a reevaluation was necessary, and therefore, Trump should receive some leniency given the circumstances. “Considering all the decisions he’s had to make, an approval rating above ten percent is quite surprising,” said Senator Tommy Tuberville from Alabama. “The previous president avoided difficult choices, leaving the new administration to address significant challenges.”
“President Trump is navigating challenges that no one finds easy,” Tuberville concluded.
Source
thehill.com