Trump’s Rocky Start Has Some Similarities To Bill Clinton’s First 100 Days
- 7 years ago
The Atlantic points out certain similarities between President Trump's and Bill Clinton's early days in the White House.
Most would probably agree that President Trump has had a rocky start to his administration; in fact, The Atlantic has called it a “disaster.”
However, the publication points out that the beginning of former President Bill Clinton’s first term was also shaky, and even though the circumstances surrounding the two men are different, the writer, David Graham, contends that a comparison can show “how the first 100 days can set the stage for an administration’s later successes and its recurring weaknesses.”
One troublesome area for both involved staffing. CNN notes that Clinton was criticized for delays in hiring some key members of his team.
Trump has also been faulted for the slow rate of personnel approvals which has, in some cases, reportedly been encumbered by the need for White House signoff. The current administration has additionally been dogged by controversies about Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ past alleged racist remarks and former national security adviser Michael Flynn’s possible ties with Russia.
Clinton and Trump both experienced major public pushback against key policies. Following through on campaign pledges was another shared challenge. According to CNN, "Clinton...stalled on his legislative agenda while moving away from a middle-class tax cut that he had promised in the campaign." For Trump, it was his failure to overhaul the nation’s health care law known as Obamacare.
Nevertheless, Clinton was able to turn his administration around and finish out two terms with some major accomplishments including economic expansion.
Time will tell how Trump's presidency progresses, but The Atlantic says his ability to chart a smoother course will largely require the help of key advisers and his own desire to move in that direction.
Most would probably agree that President Trump has had a rocky start to his administration; in fact, The Atlantic has called it a “disaster.”
However, the publication points out that the beginning of former President Bill Clinton’s first term was also shaky, and even though the circumstances surrounding the two men are different, the writer, David Graham, contends that a comparison can show “how the first 100 days can set the stage for an administration’s later successes and its recurring weaknesses.”
One troublesome area for both involved staffing. CNN notes that Clinton was criticized for delays in hiring some key members of his team.
Trump has also been faulted for the slow rate of personnel approvals which has, in some cases, reportedly been encumbered by the need for White House signoff. The current administration has additionally been dogged by controversies about Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ past alleged racist remarks and former national security adviser Michael Flynn’s possible ties with Russia.
Clinton and Trump both experienced major public pushback against key policies. Following through on campaign pledges was another shared challenge. According to CNN, "Clinton...stalled on his legislative agenda while moving away from a middle-class tax cut that he had promised in the campaign." For Trump, it was his failure to overhaul the nation’s health care law known as Obamacare.
Nevertheless, Clinton was able to turn his administration around and finish out two terms with some major accomplishments including economic expansion.
Time will tell how Trump's presidency progresses, but The Atlantic says his ability to chart a smoother course will largely require the help of key advisers and his own desire to move in that direction.