President Trump Marks 100 Days with Staff Changes, Immigration Crackdown, and Focus on Religious Freedom
President Donald Trump concluded his first 100 days in office this week, a milestone marked by significant policy initiatives and a notable shift in personnel within his administration. The President signed executive orders focused on tightening immigration enforcement and bolstering religious liberty, signaling a continuation of key themes from his campaign and early presidency. However, perhaps the most attention-grabbing event of the week was a strategic staff shakeup within the White House’s national security apparatus.
The week’s most significant development arguably centered around the departure of National Security Advisor Mike Waltz. The announcement came as a surprise to many, but the news was quickly followed by an equally unexpected revelation: Trump intends to nominate Waltz as the next United States Ambassador to the United Nations.
"I am pleased to announce that I will be nominating Mike Waltz to be the next United States Ambassador to the United Nations," Trump declared via a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, on Thursday. The President offered high praise for Waltz’s service, highlighting his past experiences in the military, in Congress, and as his National Security Advisor. "From his time in uniform on the battlefield, in Congress and, as my National Security Advisor, Mike Waltz has worked hard to put our Nation’s Interests first. I know he will do the same in his new role."
To fill the void left by Waltz’s departure, Trump announced that Secretary of State Marco Rubio would assume the additional role of National Security Advisor. This move consolidates significant power within Rubio’s portfolio, allowing him to simultaneously manage the State Department and oversee the nation’s national security strategy. Trump expressed confidence in the arrangement, stating, "In the interim, Secretary of State Marco Rubio will serve as National Security Advisor, while continuing his strong leadership at the State Department. Together, we will continue to fight tirelessly to Make America, and the World, SAFE AGAIN." The President concluded his remarks by thanking the public for their attention to the matter.
Beyond the high-profile personnel changes, the President’s 100-day milestone also saw the implementation of key policy initiatives. On Monday, Trump signed an executive order directing the Justice Department and Homeland Security to compile a comprehensive list of sanctuary cities across the nation. These cities, often characterized by their policies of limited cooperation with federal immigration authorities, have become a frequent target of conservative criticism.
The executive order carries significant implications for these jurisdictions. According to the order’s provisions, sanctuary cities will be formally notified of their non-compliance with federal immigration laws and given an opportunity to rectify the situation by abandoning their sanctuary status. Failure to do so could result in the loss of federal funding, a potentially crippling blow for many municipalities.
The White House defended the executive order by emphasizing the need for strict adherence to immigration laws. "Its quite simple: obey the law, respect the law, and dont obstruct federal immigration officials and law enforcement officials when they are simply trying to remove public safety threats from our nations communities," White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Monday. Leavitt argued that the American public overwhelmingly supports stricter immigration enforcement. "The American public dont want illegal alien criminals in their communities. They made that quite clear on Nov. 5, and this administration is determined to enforce our nations immigration laws."
In addition to immigration policy, the President also focused on strengthening the nation’s defense capabilities. On Tuesday, Trump unveiled plans to replace the aging A-10 Warthog aircraft stationed at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Michigan with 21 brand-new F-15EX Eagle II fighter jets. The announcement was made during a speech to National Guard members at the base, coinciding with the commemoration of his 100th day in office.
"Selfridge will become the fourth military installation to operate the fighter jet, which entered operational service in July 2024," Trump proudly announced. He emphasized the advanced capabilities of the new aircraft, boasting, "Fresh off the line. That means they are brand new. Theyve never been anywhere. This is where theyre going to be for a long time. And I saw one of them, flew over my head, and I said, ‘What the hell is that?’ That plane has serious power. So, this is the best there is anywhere in the world, the F-15EX Eagle II. This will keep Selfridge at the cutting edge of Northern American air power."
The F-15EX Eagle II represents a significant upgrade to the Air Force’s fleet. As an updated version of the F-15C Eagle aircraft introduced in 1989, it boasts improved fuel efficiency, enhanced radar systems, and state-of-the-art avionics. The jet is designed to seamlessly integrate with other Air Force aircraft, including the advanced F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II fighter jets, ensuring a cohesive and formidable air defense capability.
Finally, on Thursday, Trump signed an executive order establishing a presidential commission on religious liberty. He announced his intentions for the new commission during a National Day of Prayer event at the White House, revealing that Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick would serve as its chairman.
"The last administration attacked people of faith for four years," Patrick claimed on Thursday, echoing a common sentiment among conservative religious groups. "Theres a saying that no one should get between a doctor and a patient. I think we would say no one should get between God and a believer. No one should get between God and those seeking him."
The Religious Liberty Commission is tasked with producing a comprehensive report evaluating potential threats to religious liberty within the United States. The report will explore ways to enhance religious freedom and examine the historical context of religious liberty in America. According to a White House fact sheet, the report will specifically address issues such as parental rights in religious education, school choice, attacks on religious places of worship, and free speech issues for religious organizations.
Furthermore, the commission will be responsible for providing guidance to the White House on policy and legislative solutions aimed at advancing religious liberty. This includes addressing concerns related to religious education, the protection of religious institutions, and the safeguarding of religious expression in the public sphere.
The President’s first 100 days have set the stage for an eventful term, marked by a commitment to conservative principles and a willingness to implement bold policy changes. The focus on immigration enforcement, military modernization, and religious freedom suggests that these themes will continue to dominate the administration’s agenda in the months and years to come.
