In 2015, the outspoken and often controversial conservative columnist and commentator Ann Coulter emerged as one of President Donald Trump‘s most ardent supporters. She was among the first to predict his victory in the 2016 election. However, her enthusiasm began to wane shortly after he took office, as she grew increasingly frustrated with his failure to deliver on key immigration promises —most notably, the construction of the U.S.–Mexico border wall, a central pillar of his campaign.
By the end of 2017, the rupture in their relationship was complete. Over the following eight years, she became one of his most relentless critics.
Yet, by the time Trump’s second term approached its 100-day milestone, Coulter had dramatically reversed course. During a C-SPAN interview, when asked how she would characterize his presidency thus far, she stunned viewers with her response: “The most wonderful 100 days in U.S. history. I can’t believe how great Trump is.”
Moving at a lightning-fast pace, Trump is delivering on all of his campaign promises. U.S. Customs and Border Protection has regained control of the border. Daily border encounters are down by 93%. The newly established Department of Government Efficiency has already uncovered $160 billion in fraud, waste, and abuse inside the federal government. Trump has begun to decouple our economy from China and to reduce the economy’s dependence on government spending.
Fulfilling his pledge to restore fairness in America’s trade relationships, Trump has enacted his signature Liberation Day tariffs. The first new trade deal, with the United Kingdom, was announced on Thursday morning. In a Truth Social post ahead of the announcement, Trump called the agreement “a full and comprehensive one that will cement the relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom for many years to come.”
A second deal, likely with India, is expected to be signed within the next week.
Most notably, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer are set to meet with their Chinese counterparts in Switzerland this weekend to begin talks on a possible compromise. Given the current chill in U.S.-China relations, Bessent told Fox News’s Laura Ingraham on Tuesday night, “My sense is that this will be about de-escalation, not about the big trade deal. But we’ve got to de-escalate before we can move forward.”
Trump’s progress during the first 100 days has been extremely encouraging for Republicans, but it’s far too early to declare victory. It is the second 100 days that will determine whether the president’s agenda succeeds or fails. What unfolds in the months ahead will either cement Trump’s legacy or undo it.
While the first 100 days of Trump’s presidency were about laying the foundation, setting priorities, and building momentum, the focus for the second 100 days shifts to outcomes. The administration’s agenda will be put to the test, and we’ll begin to see whether Trump’s goals can be realized. It’s about measurable results, or at the very least, clear signs of progress.
Most importantly, can the U.S. and China reach a mutually acceptable trade agreement that serves the interests of both nations? We’ll find out soon.
Beijing continues to project confidence and even defiance in its trade war with the U.S. Last week, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a video titled, Never Kneel Down! According to Chinese officials, “Bowing to a bully [U.S.] is like drinking poison to quench thirst, it only deepens the crisis.”
It’s difficult to assess the precise effects of the tariffs on China’s economy because the CCP stopped publishing critical economic data several years ago. The Wall Street Journal reported that the Chinese government began withholding key statistics in 2022, around the same time its economy began to sputter “under the weight of excessive debt, a crumbling real-estate market, and other troubles.”
Of course, even the data the government does release should be viewed with skepticism, as propaganda has been a preferred tool of Chinese authorities for over a century.
Despite China’s lack of transparency, there have been credible reports of increasing worker unrest across the country caused by “production shutdowns and job cuts,” as well as a warning from Goldman Sachs that up to 16 million Chinese may soon be unemployed. If these reports are accurate, China may have no choice but to come to the table.
What impact have the tariffs had on the U.S. economy?
Early results have been promising. The turmoil that rocked financial markets immediately following Trump’s April 2 launch of the tariffs has subsided, and the major indexes have returned to pre-announcement levels.
More than 100 countries have reached out to the U.S. to negotiate new trade agreements.
Both domestic and foreign corporations have pledged $5 trillion in new investment in the U.S. to avoid the tariffs, which is unprecedented.
Congress is working on Trump’s big, beautiful bill, which will provide tax cuts, reduce wasteful spending, and boost the defense budget. Lawmakers hope to have the bill on Trump’s desk by July 4.
Finally, the administration will focus on deregulation for businesses. This will lower the cost of doing business and even eliminate barriers to entry for new companies. These measures will spur economic growth.
Trump’s efforts to roll back the Biden administration’s restrictions on the energy industry have contributed to a $20-per-barrel drop in oil prices since Inauguration Day.
The president has staked his legacy on this bold package of economic reforms. While the next few months will be critical, there is every reason to be optimistic. Trump is surrounded by smart people, many of whom bring vast experience in the business world. I remain hopeful that the outcome will not only validate his vision but also deliver lasting benefits for Americans.
