Evaluating President Donald Trump’s First 100 Days in Office: A Visual and Political Reflection
The image under discussion features former President Donald J. Trump, holding the hand of a young girl dressed in a white dress adorned with a rainbow. Both are wearing red and white “Make America Great Again” hats, standing against a tarmac backdrop. President Trump raises his right fist in a gesture that has often been associated with political defiance or strength. The image, stylized in a manner reminiscent of campaign material or political advertisement, includes bold text at the bottom: “Rate President Trump’s First 100 Days in Office from 1 to 10!”
This image is more than just a snapshot in time—it is a carefully constructed piece of political messaging. It invites viewers not just to remember President Trump’s early presidency but to evaluate and react emotionally and politically. By including a child, the image adds a layer of innocence and symbolism that may aim to humanize Trump and reinforce his positioning as a protector of traditional American values and future generations.
Political Symbolism in the Image
Several elements of the image are loaded with symbolic meaning:
The Red “Make America Great Again” Hat: Perhaps the most iconic symbol of Trump’s political identity, the MAGA hat encapsulates the core themes of his campaign—nationalism, anti-establishment sentiment, and a focus on conservative values.
The Fist Raised in the Air: This is a gesture that has historically symbolized resistance, power, and solidarity. While traditionally used in labor and civil rights movements, Trump’s use of the gesture recontextualizes it to assert strength and confidence in his leadership.
The Child Holding Trump’s Hand: Dressed in a white dress with a rainbow, the girl evokes themes of innocence, unity, and possibly even a subtle nod to diversity and hope. Her hat, nearly covering her face, mirrors Trump’s, symbolizing ideological inheritance or protection under his vision of America.
The Presidential Jacket: Trump wears a jacket emblazoned with the presidential seal and the Daytona 500 patch, suggesting a blending of presidential authority with Americana and NASCAR culture—a traditionally conservative-leaning demographic.
The First 100 Days: A Traditional Milestone
In American politics, the “first 100 days” of a president’s term have historically served as a symbolic benchmark for early success and direction. The term originated during Franklin D. Roosevelt’s presidency and has since been used to measure legislative activity, executive orders, and the general tone of a new administration.
For President Trump, those 100 days were marked by both significant controversy and decisive action. Some of the most notable events and actions included:
Executive Orders on Immigration: Trump’s executive orders aimed at limiting travel from several Muslim-majority countries were among the most contentious of his early presidency. While some viewed this as a strong stance on national security, others decried it as discriminatory.
Rollback of Obama-era Regulations: Trump prioritized deregulation, particularly in the environmental and financial sectors. This move was applauded by businesses but criticized by environmentalists and consumer advocates.
Nomination and Confirmation of Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court: This was widely seen as a major victory for conservatives, solidifying a rightward tilt in the judiciary.
Healthcare Reform Challenges: Trump attempted to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), but the American Health Care Act failed to pass in the Senate during the first 100 days, highlighting intra-party challenges.
Aggressive Use of Executive Power: Trump signed more executive orders in his first 100 days than any president since World War II, indicating a desire to bypass legislative gridlock and act quickly on his campaign promises.
Public Reception and Political Division
The question posed in the image—“Rate President Trump’s First 100 Days in Office from 1 to 10”—is a subjective one. Public opinion during that time was highly polarized. According to Gallup polling data from late April 2017, Trump had a 41% approval rating—the lowest of any post-war president at that point in their term. However, among his base, support remained staunch and even enthusiastic.
Supporters would likely give a rating close to 9 or 10, emphasizing his fulfillment of campaign promises, tough stance on immigration, pro-business agenda, and his perceived disruption of Washington elites. Critics might rate it as low as 1 or 2, citing poor communication, polarizing rhetoric, and policy decisions that they saw as harmful to marginalized communities and international relations.
The Role of Media and Imagery
This image functions as a piece of persuasive media. It is designed not to provide balanced information but to inspire a positive emotional reaction, particularly among Trump supporters. The child symbolizes the future, the MAGA hats symbolize loyalty to a political movement, and the raised fist signals triumph and unyielding resolve.
The image omits context and controversy, focusing instead on strength, unity, and patriotism. As with most political imagery, it is not an objective document, but a narrative tool meant to mobilize support and reinforce identity.
Conclusion: Legacy and Evaluation
Evaluating the first 100 days of President Trump’s administration is a complex task, largely dependent on political perspective. Supporters viewed these early actions as bold steps to “drain the swamp” and reclaim American sovereignty. Detractors saw them as divisive, erratic, and driven more by ideology than informed policy.
The image captures this tension: it presents a curated vision of leadership, power, and optimism while implicitly inviting the public to weigh in on one of the most unconventional presidencies in U.S. history. Whether one scores Trump’s first 100 days as a 10 or a 1, what’s certain is that those days left a lasting impression on American political discourse—and that images like this will continue to shape how that legacy is remembered.
