The Journal. Trump 2.0: The First 100 Days
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May 2, 2025 
Aaron Zitner, a colleague at The Wall Street Journal, joins to dissect the tumultuous first 100 days of the Trump administration. They delve into the unexpected lower deportation rates and the controversial early policies that indicate a shift in executive power. Public opinion reveals a mixed bag, with notable disapproval among minorities and independents. The discussion also highlights Trump’s ambitious vision versus the realities he faces, along with the potential for crises ahead as the president navigates a divided political landscape.
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Expanding and Consolidating Power
- Trump has asserted executive authority by exploiting gray areas in laws to expand presidential powers.
- He has also actively disempowered institutions like Congress, media, and universities to consolidate control.
Potential Checks on Trump's Power
- The judiciary remains a key check on Trump's power, with several court rulings against his policies.
- Republicans in Congress and investors also serve as important potential constraints on his actions.
Testing Executive-Judiciary Limits
- Trump's defiance of court orders, like refusing to facilitate a deportation, tests the balance between executive and judicial branches.
- This sets a critical precedent for presidential obedience to legal rulings.