USA TODAY Hosts Roundtable on Trump's First 100 Days

In his first 100 days back in the White House, President Trump has markedly expanded the power of the presidency, pushing the boundaries of authority to what some experts describe as nearly imperial levels. He has rapidly issued a series of executive orders, freed hundreds connected to the Capitol attack, and openly challenged institutions such as the judiciary and the media, raising concerns among historians and political analysts about an unprecedented assault on constitutional safeguards and democratic norms. Trump, driven by grievances from his previous term, has also controversially partnered with high-profile allies like Elon Musk to initiate sweeping changes, including efforts to diminish the influence of what he labels the 'deep state.' His administration employed a wartime act to deport migrants to a mega prison in El Salvador and warned of similar measures for US citizens, further fueling debates about authoritarian tendencies. Critics warn that these actions amount to an ongoing attack on the foundational principles of American democracy and the established world order. The overall climate in Washington has taken on a reality show-like quality, with Trump remaining the focal point of daily political drama.