WASHINGTON D.C., UNITED STATES — When Stephen Miller departed the White House in 2021, the key adviser to Donald Trump offered a parting remark: “I’ll see you in four years.”
Almost immediately, Miller and a circle of loyalists began formulating a barrage of actions and orders to be unleashed should the 45th president secure a return to office. This strategic blueprint was refined in a discreet West Palm Beach building, the operational hub of Trump’s 2024 campaign and subsequent transition.
A wall-sized image of Trump, emblazoned with the phrase “Welcome to the Thunderdome,” dominated the space. The team reworked some of Trump’s initial term priorities to enhance their permanence.
They also prepared for anticipated, if not deliberately sought, legal challenges, aided by conservative groups established by Miller and other Trump allies following the 2020 election.
This meticulous preparation, as described by individuals familiar with the process, has facilitated a defining characteristic of Trump’s second term’s first 100 days: an unprecedented speed that serves as both a powerful tool and a significant point of vulnerability for the administration.
This rapid pace has enabled Trump to sign a dizzying array of executive orders spanning energy, education, and diversity initiatives, overwhelming opponents of his MAGA agenda and exploiting the typically slow pace of legal challenges. Senior administration officials highlight their swiftly implemented immigration policies as instrumental in significantly reducing illegal crossings at the U.S. southern border.
However, this accelerated tempo has also propelled the administration toward potential economic and political pitfalls. The president’s hastily enacted and frequently revised tariff policies have generated considerable uncertainty among trading partners and within financial markets.
Economists argue these levies have increased the likelihood of a U.S. recession—a potentially damaging blow to the credibility of a president who regained the White House on promises of controlling inflation and fostering prosperity.
“The president was elected to tackle the border crisis and to address the economy,” noted Marc Short, a former Trump aide. “One he is doing well and one he is not.”
Another prominent initiative, Elon Musk’s DOGE cost-cutting campaign, has triggered widespread disruption through its rapid dismissal of thousands of government employees and the dismantling of various programs, including some that certain Republicans would have preferred to maintain.
Trump now faces the formidable task of implementing the extensive series of executive orders he has issued, a challenge compounded by staffing shortages in critical agencies such as the Treasury, Commerce, and Energy Departments.
“It’s nice that they’re moving quickly, but this is going to take persistent effort for all of the four years,” said Ben Lieberman, a senior fellow with the Competitive Enterprise Institute.
Trump’s aggressive approach is coupled with heightened confidence in his political instincts and an inner circle more densely populated with loyalists than during his first term. This combination has emboldened him to push the boundaries of executive authority to unprecedented levels, as evidenced by his consideration of dismissing Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell—an idea he appears to have since abandoned.
Trump and his team assert they have learned from their initial term, refining their strategies for personnel selection and agenda implementation, even as polling data indicates potential negative impacts on his popularity. Trump traveled to Michigan on Tuesday to promote his manufacturing agenda and the achievements of his first 100 days.
“We’re setting records right now—we’re getting more things approved than any president has ever done in the first 100 days; it’s not even close,” Trump stated in an April 8 speech. “And we’re going to continue that way, if not more so.”
Feedback loop of affirmation
Trump has seamlessly reintegrated into the rhythms of the presidency. He spends much of his time in the White House and frequently retreats to Palm Beach on weekends, surrounded by MAGA supporters and administration officials. Trump even monitored a strike on the Houthis from a makeshift situation room at his golf club.
He remains an avid consumer of cable television and listens to podcasts when he struggles to sleep, including one on the Civil War and another hosted by his crypto adviser, David Sacks, according to sources.
One former president occupies his thoughts: William McKinley, whose congressional tariffs parallel Trump’s current trade policies. While McKinley’s tariffs were largely unpopular, Trump views them as a catalyst for American prosperity.
Trump’s trade agenda is part of a broader strategy to fundamentally reshape the federal government and reject what he perceives as the failures of the existing global order, according to a senior administration official.
Tariffs have been a rare point of contention within Trump’s typically supportive inner circle, which includes top advisers and cabinet members. U.S. automakers secured exemptions after appealing to Trump, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has taken over trade negotiations following Trump’s pause to stabilize markets.
Despite Bessent’s significant role, tariff advocate Peter Navarro maintains a privileged position in Trump’s circle. Trump regards the Harvard-trained economist as one of his most loyal aides, particularly after Navarro’s four-month jail term for defying a subpoena related to the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot.
Trump aides and allies downplay the 100-day milestone, emphasizing that the rapid pace will continue and dismissing the metric as arbitrary. A senior administration official indicated that numerous other initiatives, particularly on cultural issues, are yet to be unveiled.
However, Trump himself has hinted at his awareness of the significance of this period.
In a rally preceding his inauguration, he promised “the best first day, the biggest first week, and the most extraordinary first 100 days of any presidency in American history.”
Flood the zone
The most frenetic day of Trump’s second term occurred on April 9, when he unexpectedly announced a pause on most of the sweeping reciprocal tariffs, which had taken effect about 13 hours earlier, while simultaneously increasing tariffs on China. This reversal triggered a surge in the stock market, which had recently approached bear market territory.
Yet, on this pivotal day, Trump swiftly shifted his focus to another personal concern—showerhead water flow—as he signed an executive order to repeal conservation standards.
“I have to stand under the shower for 15 minutes until it gets wet,” he complained to reporters in the Oval Office. “It comes out—drip, drip, drip—it’s ridiculous.”
This moment exemplified the “flood the zone” strategy advocated by Miller, where Trump alternates between significant policy decisions and seemingly trivial matters. This also highlighted the administration’s broader approach to executive orders.
Trump, who has claimed that water pressure restrictions impede his ability to wash his “beautiful hair,” had previously attempted to overturn these limits during his first term. These 2020 changes were reversed by former President Joe Biden, prompting Trump’s advisers to plan a renewed effort.
This time, they were prepared, with plans to quickly implement the regulatory change. The order Trump signed included a legally risky provision to bypass public notice and comment periods, with Trump declaring such processes “unnecessary because I am ordering the repeal.”
This action epitomizes Trump’s second term—using executive orders to address personal grievances and unfinished business from his first term, while testing the limits of presidential power.
This approach aligns with the directive given to officials and lawyers drafting executive orders: focus on why something can be done, rather than questioning if it can be done.
Trump has employed executive orders to expand the reach of his office, invoking emergency powers and national security concerns to impose tariffs, deport immigrants, freeze federal funding, and revoke security clearances of law firms with political ties. Many of his orders extend federal authority beyond Washington, influencing state and corporate policies.
Critics argue that some of Trump’s orders directly contradict federal law. However, this may be intentional, as administration officials and advocates openly welcome Supreme Court rulings on presidential power.
‘Intellectual Godfathers’
The blueprint for Trump’s second term has been years in the making. Allies launched the influential America First Policy Institute (AFPI) think tank in 2021, and Miller established America First Legal to mitigate legal challenges faced during the first term.
Two years later, the Heritage Foundation published Project 2025. These groups, along with other think tanks, policy analysts, and lawyers, provided ready-made policy options aligned with Trump’s public statements.
“Preparation is key, and in some cases, preparation is king,” said Chad Wolf, executive vice president of AFPI.
Mike McKenna, a former Trump adviser, identified Miller, Steve Bannon, and Peter Navarro as the “intellectual godfathers” shaping the second term.
As Trump’s 2024 campaign progressed, his allies utilized this framework. Conservatives aligned with the Heritage Foundation conducted numerous listening sessions with experts from key industries, gathering original policy ideas. These sessions also fostered a network of experts, some of whom now serve in the administration.
Teams of conservative lawyers and think tank representatives drafted policy implementation language, including for unfinished business from Trump’s first term, covering areas from energy to financial services.
Not all major Trump initiatives had extensive preparation. The Musk-led DOGE project, aimed at restructuring the federal government, evolved during the first 100 days, often surprising administration officials with its tactics.
This may explain the project’s narrowing scope. Musk, who initially aimed for $2 trillion in savings, now targets $150 billion.
Transition team
Following Trump’s victory over Kamala Harris in November, Miller and Vince Haley led the effort on executive orders, ensuring a flurry of actions for Trump’s signature. The transition team, including Russ Vought, Mark Paoletta, and May Mailman, shaped these orders.
The team deliberately limited cabinet members’ knowledge of these plans to avoid complications during confirmation hearings. A separate team of operatives ensured controversial nominees’ confirmation through aggressive tactics.
Vice President JD Vance played a crucial role in Capitol Hill negotiations.
Trump’s staff, largely composed of campaign veterans, provided greater cohesion than during his first term. Chief of Staff Susie Wiles held clear authority, unlike the competing power centers of Trump’s early presidency.
Trump’s advisers swiftly translate his policy statements into action, leading to rapid policy development but also increasing staff workload.
For example, Trump’s sudden commitment to support coal companies was implemented quickly.
Looking abroad
Trump has expressed satisfaction with his early pace, displaying photos of order-signings. However, some foreign policy promises have not materialized.
His tax overhaul, aimed at boosting the border and offsetting tariffs, faces uncertain passage.
Trump has pressured Republicans to pass the bill, suggesting tariff revenue could offset income tax cuts.
Democrats are strategizing how to counter Trump’s policies, focusing on his economic promises and court clashes.
Polling indicates potential Democratic advantages on economic issues. Trump’s upcoming Michigan visit will focus on manufacturing and tariffs.
“They want to continue to push the envelope, and they want to do more, and they want to do better,” said AFPI’s Wolf. “So I don’t think they’re quite satisfied yet.”
