## Trump’s First 100 Days: A Whirlwind of Tariffs, TikTok, and the DOGE Effect
Donald Trump’s second presidential term has hit the 100-day mark, and the pace of change has been relentless. From global economic upheaval driven by unpredictable tariffs to the unexpected twists in the TikTok saga, the first few months have been a rollercoaster. This article dives into some of the key issues dominating the tech and policy landscape, exploring what’s changed, what hasn’t, and the overarching themes that define this era.
One of the most significant disruptions has been the tariff situation. The constant flux in tariff rates has injected immense uncertainty into the global economy, leaving businesses struggling to adapt. This unpredictability is a stark contrast to the stability typically sought in the business world.
Another contentious issue is the role of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), particularly under the leadership of Brendan Carr. Accusations of weaponizing the FCC against the First Amendment have sparked debate about free speech and censorship. This has led to concerns about potential overreach and the impact on consumer rights and DEI initiatives.
Interestingly, some issues that seemed poised for action have stalled. The Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), once seemingly on the verge of becoming law, has yet to materialize. Similarly, the TikTok ban, a key focus during Trump’s first term, took an unexpected turn when Congress acted, Biden signed it into law, and then Trump seemed to shift his stance.
Then there’s the ever-present influence of Elon Musk and his “pet project,” DOGE. Beyond the cryptocurrency itself, there are concerns about the potential development of a comprehensive surveillance state, linking initiatives across various federal agencies.
While these topics highlight some of the key developments, there’s a vast array of issues that remain largely unaddressed due to the sheer volume of activity. Immigration, science, climate, research, and public health are just a few areas that deserve further scrutiny.
The first 100 days of Trump’s second term have been marked by rapid change and a sense of being overwhelmed. The challenges are immense, but the importance of staying informed and engaged is greater than ever.
**Further Reading:**
* Trump’s 100 day inferno: [The Verge](https://www.theverge.com/politics/656674/the-100-day-inferno)
* The DOGE days have just begun: [The Verge](https://www.theverge.com/tech/656704/elon-musk-doge-100-days-recap-list)
* America is living in tariff limbo: [The Verge](https://www.theverge.com/tech/656695/trump-tariffs-china-canada-mexico-trade-war-anxiety)
* MAGA’s next wave of influencers saved TikTok: [The Verge](https://www.theverge.com/politics/656717/trump-tiktok-ban-maga-influencers)
* Whatever happened to the Kids Online Safety Act?: [The Verge](https://www.theverge.com/politics/657358/kids-online-safety-100-days-trump-administration)
* Brendan Carr’s FCC is an anti-consumer, rights-trampling harassment machine: [The Verge](https://www.theverge.com/tech/656653/brendan-carr-fcc-anti-consumer-harassment-dei-trump)
* Warning systems for floods, hurricanes, and famines are suffering from Trump’s data purge: [The Verge](https://www.theverge.com/tech/656714/trump-disaster-hurricane-flood-famine-data-purge-usaid)
* Why Trump can’t be trusted with Congress’ new anti-deepfake bill: [Decoder](https://www.theverge.com/decoder-podcast-with-nilay-patel/627868/take-it-down-act-weapon-trump-ncii-deepfakes)
* How Trump’s tariffs actually work on the ground: [Decoder](https://www.theverge.com/decoder-podcast-with-nilay-patel/649986/trump-tariffs-china-ryan-petersen-flexport-interview)
* The FCC is a weapon in Trump’s war on free speech: [Decoder](https://www.theverge.com/decoder-podcast-with-nilay-patel/612069/fcc-brendan-carr-elon-musk-donald-trump-first-amendment-free-speech-censorship)