politics

In Just 100 Hours: Trump Champions America First With 460 Detainees, $500B AI Drive & Bold Policy Overhaul

In the first 100 hours of his second term, President Trump unleashed a flurry of executive orders—tightening border security with a 33-hour operation, slashing outdated regulations, and launching a historic $500 billion AI infrastructure plan—to reshape federal priorities and boost domestic industry.

April 2, 2025

Summary

Hundreds of executive actions within the initial 100 hours focus on strengthening border security and making government operations more efficient.

A monumental $500 billion investment in AI infrastructure, known as the '‘Stargate’ project', signals a renewed commitment to U.S. technological leadership.

Policy changes aim for lower costs, greater energy independence, and less federal regulation.

The new directives have led to stricter immigration control measures, resulting in the arrest of hundreds of individuals with serious criminal records.

The reopening of Stellantis’ Belvidere plant in Illinois is a key element in a broader plan to rejuvenate American auto manufacturing and create good-paying union jobs.

In the first 100 hours of his second term, President Trump immediately began implementing change. With actions ranging from reducing regulations and strengthening border security to launching advanced tech investments and reshaping federal recruitment, every measure reinforces his enduring 'America First' commitment—a distinct break from previous policies.

Resetting Government Priorities

A series of quickly issued executive orders have reconfigured federal operations. The administration's focus is clear: secure the borders, renew industrial strategy, accelerate technological advancement, and improve government efficiency. Each directive is intended to prioritize American interests above all else.

A New Approach to Border Security

Border security is now a primary focus. During a 33-hour operation starting at midnight on January 21, ICE detained 460 individuals with serious criminal histories, including charges for sexual assault, robbery, and domestic violence. The administration has discontinued catch-and-release practices (a policy where individuals caught crossing the border illegally are released while awaiting a court hearing), reinstated the Remain in Mexico policy (a policy where asylum seekers are required to remain in Mexico while their U.S. immigration cases are processed), and has even deployed the Armed Forces along the border. Notably, the widely used CBP One app (an application used to schedule appointments at a port of entry)—once processing over one million individuals—has been decommissioned.

Overhauling Federal Regulations and Hiring Practices

Numerous new orders are remodeling federal regulations. The current measures include removing regulations considered to hinder efficient administration and replacing diversity and inclusion policies in federal hiring with merit-based criteria at agencies such as the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration). In addition, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI, initiatives designed to promote representation and fair treatment of all individuals) initiatives for federal employees have been suspended. Another directive defines sex in traditional terms and specifies that only the American flag represents the United States on an international stage. The end of remote work for federal employees is also part of a move, the administration states, designed to enhance increased accountability and transparency.

Boosting Energy Independence and Economic Opportunity

A National Energy Emergency has been declared to tap into domestic resources. By reversing regulations that encouraged large-scale renewable projects and applying strict leasing terms, the administration seeks to lower energy costs and drive investment in areas like Alaska. This regulatory rollback extends to vehicles, appliances, and housing, with the goal of reducing government intervention, restoring investor confidence, and stimulating job creation across the nation.

Stargate: Investing $500 Billion in U.S. AI Infrastructure

In one of the administration’s most ambitious moves, the Stargate project—a $500 billion investment in AI infrastructure—was announced. Supported by industry giants including OpenAI, Oracle, and SoftBank, the project kicked off with an initial $100 billion injection and should reach full funding within four years. Key to the plan is the construction of cutting-edge data centers in Texas, beginning with a flagship facility in Abilene. These centers are planned to pioneer advances in early cancer detection and robotic vaccine production, while also creating over 100,000 American jobs. Despite concerns from some tech leaders, many are optimistic that this venture will maintain the nation’s technological lead and boost economic standing.

Revitalizing American Manufacturing

In a significant move for domestic industry, President Trump met with Stellantis Chairman John Elkann to set the stage for a revival in U.S. automotive manufacturing. The decision to reopen the Belvidere Assembly plant in Illinois—a facility that once thrived—is aimed at producing a new midsize pickup truck, an effort expected to generate around 1,500 union jobs. This reopening is a component of a larger $5 billion strategy to rejuvenate American auto manufacturing, with similar initiatives planned for plants in Detroit, Toledo, and Kokomo.

Addressing Cultural and Political Shifts

The extensive orders also cover cultural and historical matters. In an effort to improve transparency, the declassification of JFK files has opened a new window into the nation’s past. At the same time, pardons issued for certain law enforcement officers, whose situations have sparked debate over perceived political bias, underscore the administration's stance on limiting government overreach. Additionally, new guidelines now stipulate that only the American flag should be displayed on embassy property.

Looking Ahead

Within just 100 hours, President Trump has demonstrated a vigorous approach, launching a series of initiatives designed to overhaul government operations, secure the nation’s borders, revitalize domestic industries, and bolster the country’s standing globally. While discussions about these changes continue, the administration remains clear in its commitment to a leaner government directed by free-market principles, individual liberty, and the unyielding priority of putting America first.