What has Donald Trump done in his first 100 days? | DW News

Summary of YouTube Video:

Key Concepts:

• Trump's second presidency: Characterized by rapid policy changes, disregard for traditional norms, and a focus on "America First."
• Transatlantic relations: Strained due to policy flip-flops, tariff wars, and questioning of NATO commitments.
• NATO Article 5: Collective defense clause stating an attack on one member is an attack on all.
• Tariffs: Imposed globally, particularly impacting China and the EU, leading to economic uncertainty.
• Foreign aid: Significant cuts to US Aid/USAID, impacting vulnerable populations.
• Transactionalism: Trump's approach to foreign policy, prioritizing deals and questioning alliances based on spending.
• European security identity: The potential for Europe to develop greater independence in defense.

Trump's First 100 Days: A Global Overview

Donald Trump's second presidency has marked a significant shift in US foreign policy, characterized by rapid and disruptive changes. Within the first 100 days, Trump has acted swiftly to implement his campaign promises, often disregarding established norms and alliances. This has resulted in a world that is vastly different from his first term.

Dismantling Democratic Safeguards and International Norms

Trump has been dismantling democratic safeguards through executive orders, ignoring Congress and the courts, and disregarding established international norms. This includes:

• Imposing steep tariffs on rivals and allies.
• Shifting stances on Ukraine, from ally to pariah and back.
• Unconditional support for Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
• Escalating military strikes on Houthi rebels in Yemen.
• Questioning Article 5 of NATO's founding charter.
• Musing about expanding US territory aiming to acquire Greenland and the Panama Canal and even Canada.

Transatlantic Relations and NATO

Transatlantic relations have been severely strained. Trump has questioned the US commitment to NATO, particularly Article 5, stating the US might not defend allies who don't spend enough on defense. This has shaken decades of European reliance on the US for security.

• Quote: Trump said in March that the US would not defend allies who don't spend enough on defense.
• Impact: This has led European nations to reconsider their security independence and enhance their military capabilities.

Economic Policies: Tariffs and Trade Wars

Trump's declaration of tariffs, dubbed "liberation day," has created uncertainty and threatens the world economy.

• Tariff details: Baseline tariffs of 10% worldwide, with 20% on EU goods.
• Impact: The US stock market plunged, and China retaliated with its own tariffs, reaching 145%. This has depressed stock markets globally, leading to recession fears.

Foreign Aid Cuts

Foreign aid has been severely impacted, with significant cuts to US Aid/USAID.

• Details: Elon Musk shut down US Aid, cutting off life-saving medications and food supplies to vulnerable populations.
• Impact: This retreat from the US's role as a major global donor has further eroded its international standing.

Global Opinion and Trust

Global opinion on Trump's second presidency is characterized by widespread chaos and distrust.

• Quote: Inis Paul (DW's Washington bureau chief) stated that Trump's "America First" policy has disrupted international relations and eroded global trust in the United States.
• Impact: Allies feel disillusioned by Trump's erratic actions, leading some European nations to seek greater security independence.

Potential Benefits for Europe

While largely negative, some argue that Trump's policies could push Europe to develop a stronger security identity.

• Argument: Europeans are rich nations and should be able to defend themselves without the US.
• Counterargument: The economic side has been damaging, with the tariff war potentially pushing Europe into China's arms.

The "Dealmaker" Image

Despite boasting about being the ultimate dealmaker, Trump's first 100 days haven't yielded significant deals.

• Examples: The economic relationship with Europe and Canada is in tatters, and the promise to end the war in Ukraine in 24 hours has not materialized.
• Rachel Rizzo (Atlantic Council): "I certainly couldn't point to any deals that have been made thus far."

Congressional and Supreme Court Checks

The extent to which Trump can sustain his current pace depends on Congress's reaction and the Supreme Court's rulings.

• Trump's statement: He claims he won't ignore Supreme Court rulings, which will be tested if the court challenges his executive orders.

Conclusion

Trump's first 100 days have been marked by rapid policy changes, strained international relations, and economic uncertainty. The US is no longer seen as a dependable center of power, forcing the rest of the world to form new alliances without America, with unforeseeable consequences. While some argue that this could push Europe towards greater independence, the overall impact has been largely negative, characterized by chaos and distrust.