Former President Donald Trump’s second term in office has reached the 100-day mark, and signs of mounting strain are showing. Despite declaring his administration’s start as the “most successful in U.S. history,” Trump is reportedly grappling with exhaustion, distractions, and growing political and public backlash.

His early days in office have been marked by economic turbulence, diplomatic tensions, and a steep drop in public approval. Critics and commentators suggest the pressure of managing the nation’s most powerful office especially under such scrutiny is wearing down the 78-year-old president.

Public Fatigue and Declining Support

Trump’s approval rating has fallen to just 39%, the lowest for any president at this stage since modern polling began. Public dissatisfaction stems largely from volatile economic decisions, divisive political rhetoric, and an apparent focus on personal vendettas over policy achievements.

At a recent rally in Michigan, Trump spent more time criticizing his predecessor Joe Biden using derogatory nicknames and recounting old grievances than he did explaining his administration’s direction. According to The Washington Post, Trump mentioned Biden more than 30 times in his speech, while addressing key policy concerns like inflation and job growth only a handful of times.

Economic Struggles and Market Response

The administration’s aggressive trade stance, particularly toward China, has led to a slowdown in international commerce and a dip in investor confidence. The S&P 500 has suffered its worst 100-day performance under any modern U.S. president, driven by concerns over tariffs and reduced federal spending.

Layoffs have increased in trade-dependent sectors, including shipping and logistics, especially in cities like Washington, D.C. Consumer sentiment has declined, reflecting public unease with the current economic trajectory.

Trump’s ambitious reshoring efforts, including plans to bring iPhone manufacturing to the U.S., have also stalled. Global supply chain realities and a lack of domestic infrastructure have hindered progress, raising questions about the feasibility of his industrial agenda.

For official data on trade and economic indicators, visit the U.S. Department of Commerce and Bureau of Economic Analysis.

Growing Division in Washington

In Congress, partisan lines have deepened. Democrats marked the 100-day milestone with a series of speeches warning that Trump’s leadership threatens democratic norms. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer accused the president of behaving more like an authoritarian figure than a democratic leader.

Conversely, Republican allies have praised Trump’s swift executive actions and his rollback of diversity programs and immigration protections. House Speaker Mike Johnson acknowledged the turbulence but credited Trump for “delivering real change.”

For legislative updates and official congressional proceedings, refer to Congress.gov.

A Tiring Presidency Ahead

Late-night hosts, including Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert, have commented on the chaos of Trump’s return to power. Stewart quipped, “I am so tired,” echoing the sentiment of many Americans overwhelmed by the nonstop controversies.

As Trump faces increasing scrutiny, the combination of exhaustion, distraction, and political isolation raises questions about his capacity to lead effectively in the long term. Whether he can shift focus to substantive governance or continue down a path of combative politics will define the remainder of his term.