Trump’s first 100 days: Tariffs, layoffs and birthright citizenship – 10 most controversial decisions by US President

In his first 100 days of a second term, US President Donald Trump made several controversial decisions that sparked widespread debate across the political and social spectrum. His decisions touched on issues of diversity, civil rights, foreign diplomacy, and education, marking a defining period in his presidency.

Here are some key actions and policies that captured attention:

1- Trump's Tariff Doctrine

On 2 April, 2025, US President Donald Trump unleashed unprecedented tariffs on several countries, including India. The Trump administration had announced 26 per cent reciprocal tariffs according to the decision, causing a widespread stock market collapse and anxieties regarding the future of bilateral trade.

On 9 April, 2025, President Trump, however, announced a 90-day pause, until 9 July this year, on much of his reciprocal tariff policy.

Amid a global market meltdown, Trump, in his second term in office, has imposed 145 per cent reciprocal tariffs on Chinese goods while exempting the imports of electronics such as smartphones and computers.

In return, China has raised tariffs on US imports to 125 per cent, but it has also rolled back the levies on some semiconductors made in the United States, according to reports.

While the tariffs have been suspended for now, India is working on a bilateral trade deal with India. Last week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and visiting US Vice President JD Vance hailed the “significant” progress made in trade talks between the two sides. A statement from Modi’s office, after the PM met Vance in New Delhi, said the two leaders “welcomed the significant progress in the negotiations for a mutually beneficial India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement.“

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on April 28 that many of America’s major trading partners have made "very good" offers to avoid new US tariffs. He added that one of the first trade agreements could likely be signed with India.

2. Abolition of DEI Programmes

One of Trump’s first major actions was dismantling Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programmes across federal government agencies and the military. These programmes, designed to address the nation’s history of racial inequality, were immediately scrapped, citing them as "divisive." Trump also moved to target DEI programmes at private law firms, public universities, and other institutions that receive federal funding or rely on federal approvals. This move has sparked backlash, with many arguing that it undermines efforts to create a more inclusive society.

3. Mass federal worker layoffs

Donald Trump’s administration also implemented a massive downsizing of federal workers. Tens of thousands of employees were either laid off or offered buyouts. These layoffs came as part of a broader federal workforce reduction initiative, which Trump framed as necessary to curb government inefficiency.

4. End of Birthright Citizenship

In another significant move, Trump issued an executive order seeking to end birthright citizenship, a right guaranteed under the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution. This controversial executive order was immediately challenged in court, with the issue now headed to the US Supreme Court for a final decision.

5. Legal battles with law firms

Trump targeted several elite law firms, accusing them of not supporting his administration’s policies. Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP became the first of many firms to agree to provide approximately $1 billion worth of free legal work for projects that Trump and his administration support.

However, other law firms, including Perkins Coie, Jenner & Block, and WilmerHale, refused Trump’s demands and have filed lawsuits against the administration, bringing these legal issues into the courts.

6. Opening of Pacific Ocean Reserve to commercial fishing

A key environmental policy change came when Trump opened a vast Pacific Ocean reserve, 750 miles west of Hawaii, to commercial fishing. The reserve, originally established by President George W Bush and expanded under former President Barack Obama to nearly 500,000 square miles, had been protected to preserve endangered sea turtles and coral atolls. Trump’s move to lift these protections has sparked concern among environmentalists about the future of marine life in the area.

7. Ban on transgender athletes

In a move impacting the LGBTQ+ community, Trump signed an executive order banning transgender student athletes from competing in women’s sports. The order has been widely criticised by LGBTQ+ advocates and supporters of gender equality, who argue it undermines the rights of transgender individuals.

8. Medicaid restrictions on gender-affirming care for minors

The Trump administration also issued guidance to states, directing them to cease using Medicaid funding for gender-affirming care for minors. This decision, part of Trump’s broader push to restrict access to gender-affirming healthcare, has drawn strong opposition from advocates for transgender rights.

9. Diplomatic tensions with Ukraine

In a highly controversial moment in international relations, President Trump reportedly berated Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office, a dramatic break from traditional diplomatic decorum. Trump’s harsh treatment of Zelensky and subsequent actions led to a significant shift in US diplomacy, raising concerns about America’s stance on foreign relations and its commitment to supporting global allies.

10. Harvard funding dispute

Trump also clashed with Harvard University over the school’s refusal to comply with his administration’s demands. The administration threatened to freeze over $2 billion in federal funding and strip the university of its tax-exempt status. In response, Harvard filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, claiming that the threat undermined the school’s academic independence.