Trump Administration's First 100 Days Ignite Global Trade Turbulence

President Donald Trump's return to office has been marked by a mix of ideological hardliners and establishment figures holding key roles, such as Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who have influenced and occasionally moderated the administration's policies. Trump's foreign policy, especially in the first 100 days, has been characterized by aggressive trade protectionism and tariff wars, which have disrupted global trade, caused financial market turmoil, and drawn international criticism for undermining global economic stability. Analysts warn that these protectionist policies risk plunging the U.S. and the world into a severe economic downturn reminiscent of the 1930s. Meanwhile, Trump's approach contrasts sharply with the post-World War II international order established under President Harry Truman, as the current administration aggressively scales back America's global role. Domestically, efforts to promote a particular patriotic narrative, such as through the White House's "Story of America" series, reflect the administration's ideological priorities and a nostalgic view of the nation's founding principles tied to MAGA ideology. Overall, Trump's early actions signal a significant shift in U.S. policy both at home and abroad, with lasting implications for the global order and national identity.