Trump’s 100 Days: Economic Strain, Legal Battles Mount

In his first 100 days of his new term, President Donald Trump has enacted sweeping domestic and international policy changes, including aggressive tariffs, mass deportations, and dismantling diversity and inclusion programs. These actions have triggered significant market instability, with the S&P 500 dropping nearly 8%, and have led to cuts or freezes in healthcare, education, and infrastructure funding, especially in Democratic-led states such as Illinois. Federal grant funding for community projects in cities like Kalamazoo, Michigan, has been abruptly blocked, impacting local revitalization. Nationwide immigration enforcement has intensified, with sharp declines in border crossings and increased deportations in states like Minnesota, raising concerns about due process. Meanwhile, Trump appointees such as Diana Diaz-Harrison are pledging to expand school choice and special education, even as threats to overall education funding persist. These rapid policy changes have left states, cities, and vulnerable communities facing uncertainty and mounting legal battles over federal support and civil rights.