After a whirlwind first 100 days marked by a flurry of executive orders, President Donald Trump now faces a far more complex task: turning campaign promises into lasting legislation. His initial sprint saw sweeping moves to reduce the size of government and redefine America's global posture, but the path ahead demands deeper political maneuvering.
"Trump's first 100 days were notable for their speed and impact," said Stephen Dover, chief market strategist at Franklin Templeton Institute, in a memo to investors. "But the real test lies ahead— passing meaningful legislation while tackling deficit reduction will require building strong legislative coalitions."
Trump used executive power more aggressively than any modern president, signing over 140 orders touching immigration, culture, and bureaucracy reduction. But executive orders have limits. They can be reversed by future presidents or struck down by courts— something Trump experienced early on.
To achieve lasting change, especially in areas involving federal spending, Trump must now work with Congress. His legislative priorities include extending tax cuts, increasing border security, and boosting domestic energy production. But with public support waning and criticism mounting over his handling of immigration and trade, his political capital is shrinking.
A Test of Political Will
While executive actions grabbed headlines, lasting change will require Trump to navigate the complexities of Congress— and that won't be easy. Despite claiming the title of dealmaker, Trump struggled during his previous term to deliver on major legislative goals, like repealing the Affordable Care Act.
Though he achieved some wins— notably the Abraham Accords and a reworked North American trade deal— his administration was often bogged down by intra-party division. In his first 100 days back in office, only five bills were signed into law, the fewest in generations.
This time around, Republicans have set a July 4 deadline to push through key agenda items, including making the 2017 tax cuts permanent and eliminating taxes on tips, overtime, and Social Security. However, with only narrow majorities in both chambers, success will require near-total unity.
Tensions Within the GOP
The challenge? Conservatives are demanding steep spending cuts to offset the estimated $5 trillion cost of the tax plan over a decade, while moderate Republicans worry about slashing popular programs like Medicaid ahead of tight midterm races.
Andrew Koneschusky, a political consultant who helped shape the 2017 tax reform, sees rough waters ahead. "When it comes to tax bills, the ultimate adult in the room is math," he said. "You can’t bend the laws of arithmetic— and it'll be very hard to find numbers that satisfy everyone in the Republican caucus."
Racing Against the Clock
Trump is leaning on the Senate's reconciliation process, which allows budget-related bills to pass with a simple majority, bypassing the need for Democratic support. And that's crucial— Democratic leaders have pledged to fiercely oppose his agenda.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries labeled Trump's proposals "unconscionable'' and "un-American,'' vowing to do everything in his power to block them.
With the 2026 midterms looming and control of the House likely to hinge on just a few swing districts, Trump's window to push his agenda is rapidly closing. The first 100 days may have been fast-paced, but the next 100 will reveal whether he can truly deliver.
