By TENGKU NOOR SHAMSIAH TENGKU ABDULLAH
KUALA LUMPUR, May 1 – In his dramatic political comeback, Donald J. Trump returned to the White House in January 2025, defeating President Joe Biden in one of the most polarized U.S. elections in modern history.
But 100 days into his second term, a wave of discontent is sweeping across both domestic and international fronts, according to a new report presented by Bruce Stokes, Visiting Senior Fellow at the German Marshall Fund, on April 28.
The presentation, titled “Trump’s First 100 Days: What Americans and the World Think”, paints a sobering picture of a presidency under pressure—characterized by record-low approval ratings, widespread concern over economic policy, and a sharp decline in global confidence toward American leadership.
📉 Historic Domestic Disapproval
According to Stokes, President Trump is now the least popular U.S. president at the 100-day mark since modern polling began in 1937. His approval rating is at a historic low, with public opinion souring across nearly every demographic since mid-February.
While Trump’s core base—primarily white evangelical Christians—remains loyal, approval among independents and Hispanic voters has eroded sharply. Democrats remain overwhelmingly disapproving, creating what Stokes calls a “partisan chasm unlike any seen in the past two decades.”
🗳️ Policy Performance: Chaotic and Misdirected?
Most Americans believe Trump is focusing on the wrong priorities, especially when it comes to foreign affairs and economic strategy. Even traditionally conservative media outlets like Fox News report majority disapproval across key issue areas—with the sole exceptions being crime and immigration, where Trump’s hardline rhetoric still resonates.
“Voters describe Trump’s first 100 days as chaotic and even scary,” Stokes noted.
The administration’s lack of coordination and rhetorical volatility has left many questioning whether the president has a clear plan beyond campaigning.
Bruce Stokes
💰 Economic Turbulence and Tariff Backlash
The most pronounced area of public backlash has been over Trump’s renewed tariff regime, which he has framed as “reciprocal economic patriotism.” However, Stokes’ research reveals that only 39% of Americans support these tariffs, with stark partisan divides:
- Republicans: 77% support
- Independents: 31% support
- Democrats: Only 7% support
Across four major polls, Trump’s net approval rating on tariffs sits at −19%, making it one of the most negatively received policy actions of his presidency so far.
Market instability has followed. The U.S. dollar has weakened, stock indices have seesawed, and tech companies—particularly those with global supply chains—have been hardest hit. The ripple effect has unnerved consumers and investors alike.
🌍 Global Fallout: Soft Power in Decline
Internationally, Trump’s aggressive economic stance has further eroded America’s global image. Tourism from Europe is down, harming the U.S. services sector, while iconic U.S. brands have seen reputational damage due to the perception of a hostile, protectionist America.
“The trade war rhetoric is alienating allies, not just adversaries,” said Stokes. “This is damaging America’s soft power.”
Public opinion polls in Germany, France, and the U.K. show that confidence in U.S. leadership has plunged, even among populations that once leaned favorably toward American influence.
🧩 Conclusion: Uncertain Trajectory
The report concludes that President Trump’s second-term reboot is off to a far rockier start than even his first 100 days in 2017. While his base remains firm, national cohesion is weakening, and economic instability—fueled by unorthodox policy moves—has raised real concerns both at home and abroad.
With global volatility rising and a fractured domestic electorate, Trump’s next 100 days may define whether his second term stabilizes—or spirals further into contention.
This article is based on the April 28, 2025 presentation by Bruce Stokes, “Trump’s First 100 Days: What Americans and the World Think,” under the German Marshall Fund.
– TNS NEWS