What to expect from Donald Trump’s first 100 days as president

THE first 100 days of a Donald Trump presidency will see tension for America both at home and abroad — so just what can we expect from the brash billionaire?

Donald Trump foreshadowed policies including relaxing of gun laws and the much vaunted building of a wall between the United States and Mexico. Picture: Steve Earley/The Virginian-Pilot via AP

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THE first 100 days of a Donald Trump presidency will see America turn its focus on itself, as the 45th President of the United States begins to deliver the policy agenda that got him elected.

He has pledged to start by ordering more deportations of undocumented immigrants and look at closing American borders to countries he considers a terror risk.

Mr Trump’s presidency is also set to dramatically redefine international power structures, forcing some countries to consider stockpiling nuclear weapons and others to revisit their own power ambitions.

Alongside him, Mr Trump will assemble a cabinet most likely made up of the supporters who helped him to the White House.

Predictions so far include former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani, former conservative presidential hopeful Newt Gingrich, retired three-star general Michael Flynn and perhaps New Jersey Governor Chris Christie. All are considered inexperienced in international affairs.

At home, as America and the world deals with the aftermath of haywire world markets and currencies, Mr Trump has foreshadowed policies including relaxing of gun laws and the much vaunted building of a wall between the United States and Mexico.

He built his campaign on a promise of a massive infrastructure program and significant tax cuts. He will work to take legislation through congress to stimulate building programs and give hip pocket relief, repeal Obamacare and he will freeze hiring of Government employees and issue an executive order for term limits on congressmen.

Republican President-elect Donald Trump with campaign manager Kellyanne Conway. Picture: Getty/AFP

By January 20 — when Mr Trump is set to be sworn in — China and Russia will both be considering how far they can push their power.

Mr Trump has already said he would meet with Russian president Vladimir Putin before even taking office in January — a break with protocol that also steps on the toes of outgoing President Barack Obama.

Mr Trump, who has signalled that he might recognise Russia’s annexation of Crimea and wants to have a friendlier relationship with Moscow, could also sit back if Russia decides to flex its muscle in eastern Europe.

This clear messaging of support means that within Mr Trump’s first 100 days it can be expected Russia will be contemplating its new power.

Meanwhile, on day one of taking office, Mr Trump has pledged to label China a currency manipulator, immediately putting the US on an aggressive tension-filled footing with the rival superpower.

China could also be contemplating if it should push its power in the world given America’s new inward-looking regimen, which could mean more aggressive build-up of its power in the South China Sea.

In East Asia, Japan and South Korea will be contemplating their own nuclear problem, with Mr Trump already explicitly warning that allies like them may not be able to count on the US defending them in the event of war.

The same goes for European countries, who have also been warned.

But, as world markets react to the threat of the Trump uncertainty, this could play out against a backdrop of plunging financial confidence.

Originally published as What to expect from Donald Trump’s first 100 days as president