Dwain Northey (Gen X)

Dear Donald proclaimed that he has had the most successful 100 days of any president in the history of our country. I would like to dispute that fact, so I’m gonna compare Donald’s first 100 days to Franklin Delano Roosevelt 100 days.

Donald Trump’s first 100 days in office in 2017 and Franklin D. Roosevelt’s in 1933 present stark contrasts in context, tone, and legislative output. FDR entered office during the depths of the Great Depression. His first hundred days became historically significant as a model of swift, transformative governance. He introduced 15 major pieces of legislation, including the Emergency Banking Act, the Agricultural Adjustment Act, and the Civilian Conservation Corps, all aimed at economic recovery and restoring public confidence.

In contrast, Trump took office during a period of economic stability but political polarization. His first hundred days were marked more by executive actions than legislative achievements. Trump issued over 30 executive orders, addressing immigration (such as the controversial travel ban), deregulation, and the rollback of Obama-era policies. His major legislative effort—a bill to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act—failed to pass the House during this period.

Where FDR enjoyed broad congressional support and a national consensus for bold federal intervention, Trump faced a divided Congress and an energized opposition. FDR’s first 100 days laid the groundwork for the New Deal and expanded the federal government’s role in economic and social life. Trump’s initial period, by contrast, signaled a turn toward nationalism, deregulation, and conservative judicial appointments.

FDR communicated hope and unity in his fireside chats, appealing to a broad swath of Americans. Trump’s rhetoric was more combative and divisive, aimed at energizing his political base. Ultimately, while both presidents used their first hundred days to signal their priorities, FDR’s tenure is remembered for sweeping systemic reform, whereas Trump’s is noted for executive assertiveness and ideological confrontation rather than legislative success.