Historically, the first 100 days of each presidency is the most important as it sets the groundwork for what the rest of the four years will look like for the nation. These days are closely examined by not only the media but watched critically by the American public. With President Donald Trump’s 100th day quickly approaching, let’s take a look back at how past Commander in Chief’s have handled theirs.

Ronald Reagan (1981)

Approval rating: 68% 

Reagan saw economic issues as most important, focusing on those first. He sent revisions to Congress regarding budget and tax policy that were meant to reduce the size of the federal government. Immediately following his inauguration, the U.S. citizens held hostage in Iran were released to come home. Though his focus was on the economy, his efforts were not enough, leading to a recession in July. Additionally, Reagan survived John Hinckley Jr.’s attempt at assassination.

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George H.W. Bush (1989)

Approval rating: 56%

Passing 18 bills into law, Bush Sr. made efforts to salvage problematic loans what were eventually signed and set into action in August. However, Sen. John Tower — Bush Sr.’s nomination for Defense secretary — was rejected by the Senate, setting Bush Sr. back. When the Exxon Valdez tank ran in Alaska, it caused the worst oil spill in the U.S. at the time.

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Bill Clinton (1993)

Approval rating: 55%

Clinton got his feet on the ground and started running by passing the budget outline through Congress quickly and without trouble. Passing the Family and Medical Leave Act and responding to Boris Yeltsin’s pleas for help, Clinton’s actions were more bold and generous than others in the past. The healthcare overhaul was put in the hands of Hillary Rodham Clinton, resulting in failure and no signature.

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George W. Bush (2001)

Approval rating: 62%

Eventually signed in June, a tax proposal Bush Jr. built and proposed would cut income tax rates significantly. Unfortunately the failure to make action steps following an urgent blue-ribbon commission report regarding homeland security would result in terror attacks in New York and Washington in September.

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Barack Obama (2009)

Approval rating: 65%

Breaking ground on several issues such as passing the stimulus bill, building equal pay protections and passing a stimulus bill, Obama made lot of legislative breakthroughs. Additionally, the stock market hit a low, setting up for the economic downturn.  

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Donald Trump (2017)

Approval rating: 41%

New president elect Trump got Neil Gorsuch confirmed for Supreme Court justice, a major dilemma facing the new administration. Unfortunately, Trump has experienced several setbacks that are very significant: repeal of the Affordable Care Act withdrawn from the House, federal courts blocking immigration laws, Michael Flynn’s forced resignation and an FBI investigation regarding Russia’s election intervention.

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