"Top 5 Trump Blunders: From 'Liberation Day' Tariffs to Hiring Musk" – The Hill

# Trump's First 100 Days Dominated by Policy Missteps, Reports The Hill As President Donald Trump commemorated his 100th day in office, U.S. political media outlet *The Hill* spotlighted five notable policy missteps of his administration. Key issues include his tariff policies, granting extensive authority to Elon Musk, harsh immigration policies, culture wars, and management of the Ukraine crisis. # Tariff Policies: The 'Liberation Day' Shockwave *The Hill* identified Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs as his most significant blunder. The announcement of steep tariffs on multiple countries unsettled financial markets. This policy led to a drop in asset values, threats of retaliatory tariffs from trade partners, and warnings from retailers about price hikes. Economists forecasted that these tariffs would heighten inflation risks. Public opinion was largely disapproving, with 58% opposing the tariff policy, according to polls. Broadly, 56% of voters viewed the overall economy negatively under Trump, while only 38% had a positive outlook. # Granting Overreach to Musk Sparks Internal Turmoil Trump’s decision to appoint Elon Musk to lead the Office of Government Efficiency and oversee federal restructuring sparked controversy. Musk’s authoritative and unilateral decision-making style created internal conflicts. *The Hill* reported that Musk clashed with key administration figures, escalating internal dissent and diminishing policy effectiveness. “Musk’s confrontations with top officials caused divisions within the administration,” the outlet noted. # Harsh Immigration Policies Face Legal and Social Backlash Trump’s immigration policies also faced sharp criticism. While efforts to enhance border security found some support, his stringent deportation policies encountered significant resistance. The deportation of Venezuelans and legal battles over the removal of undocumented immigrants were particularly contentious. Critics argued these actions threatened the rule of law. Trump’s approach provoked fears of excessive government overreach and further alienated moderate voters. # Culture Wars and Retaliation Against Opponents Trump’s governance, characterized by retaliatory measures against dissenters and an emphasis on cultural conflict, received widespread disapproval beyond his core base. A CNN poll indicated that 54% of respondents believed Trump abused his power. His divisive rhetoric and combative policies alienated many voters while energizing his staunchest supporters. # Ukraine Crisis and Diplomatic Missteps Trump’s foreign policy, especially concerning Ukraine, also drew criticism. During a February meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Trump stirred controversy by suggesting Ukraine was responsible for the ongoing war within its borders. This statement provoked public backlash and doubts about his diplomatic skills. A *New York Times* and Siena College poll showed that only 35% of voters approved of Trump’s handling of the Ukraine issue, highlighting widespread disapproval of his foreign policy approach. Scrutiny of Trump’s first 100 days in office revealed policies that provoked polarized reactions and significant controversies. Analysts suggest that these early missteps could have lasting implications for his political standing and the broader U.S. policy environment.