Since Franklin D. Roosevelt’s groundbreaking first 100 days in office, no president has matched the sheer drama and disruption of that 15-week sprint in 1933, which fundamentally altered the relationship between Americans and their government. Until now, at least. President Donald Trump’s initial actions have similarly upended government operations, disturbed traditions, and raised new questions about what it means to be American. It is no surprise that Trump has often cited Roosevelt as a model when discussing his impact and historical significance.
However, as Trump approaches his 100-day mark, the differences between his approach and Roosevelt’s are as stark as the similarities. Roosevelt’s bold initiatives, born out of the depths of the Great Depression, aimed at expanding the federal government’s role in Americans’ lives. In contrast, Trump’s agenda primarily focuses on dismantling it.
Moreover, during Roosevelt’s first 100 days, Congress united to pass over a dozen major laws, reflecting a nationwide eagerness for his revolutionary changes. Trump, however, has largely governed through unilateral executive actions, allowing him to sidestep opposition but also leaving his policies vulnerable to reversal. According to historian Anthony Badger, "Roosevelt spent an awful lot of time trying to craft constitutional justifications in legislation... he wasn’t trying to do it by executive order." This distinction highlights the contrasting governance styles of these two presidents.
Despite the differences, few dispute that Trump has made a significant impact in his first 100 days. He has forced out thousands of federal employees, shut down agencies such as the U.S. Agency for International Development, imposed extensive tariffs on trading partners, and eliminated diversity programs nationwide. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, "In his first 100 days, President Trump has delivered on hundreds of promises and already accomplished his two most important campaign goals — the border is secure and inflation is ending." Looking ahead, she mentioned that the next 100 days would focus on trade deals, peace agreements, and tax cuts, promising "more American greatness is on the way."
However, public opinion tells a different story. A recent Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll reveals that most voters disapprove of Trump’s policies thus far, particularly his handling of immigration and the economy, which have traditionally been his strong suits. His overall job approval rating has dropped to 39 percent, with 55 percent disapproving of his performance. Notably, while many of Trump’s actions could lead to long-term ramifications, a future president could easily reverse his executive orders, which are also facing multiple court challenges.
Unlike Trump, who has primarily relied on executive orders, Roosevelt’s first 100 days were marked by significant legislative achievements. By Badger's count, Congress passed 16 major pieces of legislation during Roosevelt's early tenure, often with overwhelming bipartisan support. These included landmark laws such as the National Industrial Recovery Act, which established enduring rules on union rights and corporate competition.
In comparison, Trump's administration has seen the passage of only one notable bill, the Laken Riley Act, which allows for the detention of undocumented immigrants accused of theft-related crimes. Trump’s reliance on executive action has led him to frequently invoke Roosevelt, portraying both admiration and rivalry. During a meeting with Republican governors, Trump suggested that he and Roosevelt were leaders in shaping political shifts over the past century.
Trump's electoral mandate, however, pales in comparison to Roosevelt’s. In 1932, Roosevelt won 57 percent of the popular vote against incumbent President Herbert Hoover, capturing overwhelming Democratic majorities in Congress. In contrast, Trump narrowly defeated Vice President Kamala Harris in the previous election, securing just under 50 percent of the popular vote while Republicans maintained razor-thin majorities in Congress.
While historians recognize that Roosevelt was not entirely averse to unilateral action, they also highlight the unprecedented circumstances that led to his election. The Great Depression created a national crisis, prompting a collective push for change that seems unlikely in today’s polarized political climate. As David Woolner, a history professor, noted, "The country was in some places unrecognizable," with widespread unemployment and economic despair fueling public demand for Roosevelt's New Deal.
In contrast, when Trump took office, the economy was relatively stable, with unemployment at 4 percent and job growth continuing. Yet Trump framed the situation as a crisis requiring urgent measures, declaring a state of moral, economic, and social emergency in his inaugural address. His administration has justified its actions by presenting the narrative of a nation in crisis, which resonates with certain voter segments.
In summary, while both Trump and Roosevelt have had notable impacts during their first 100 days, their approaches and the historical contexts surrounding their presidencies differ significantly. Roosevelt's legacy includes enduring reforms that shaped the modern American landscape, while many of Trump's initiatives remain subject to potential reversal and face significant public disapproval. The ongoing comparison between these two presidents will undoubtedly continue to shape discussions about presidential power and the role of government in American life.
