Pesident Donald Trump’s first 100 days will be dedicated to initial steps such as repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and proposing paid maternity leave. Trump has said he wants Congress to approve his proposals quickly but the pace of Congress may be slower than is to his liking. However, he can move faster to nominate a Supreme Court nominee and undo some of President Barack Obama’s executive actions.
Supreme Court Nominee to Be Queued Up Quickly
One of the most significant early decisions Trump is expected to make is the nomination of a Supreme Court justice to fill the seat that became vacant when Justice Antonin Scalia passed away last year. Trump has pledged to nominate an equally conservative justice. (The New York Times)
Paid Maternity Leave Proposal May Encounter Resistance
Trump has proposed six weeks of paid maternity leave—a proposal that some Republican lawmakers may oppose. They may warm up more quickly to his promise to lower child-care costs. (Politico)
Repeal and Replace ACA
Details on the repeal and replacement of the ACA remain sketchy, but Trump has promised that the replacement will provide insurance for everybody. He also said that prices on drugs will be lower and no longer “politically protected.” (CNN)
[SHRM members-only toolkit: Complying with and Leveraging the Affordable Care Act]
Swift Deregulation
Turning back already finalized agency regulations will take more than a mere stroke of the pen, but Trump can swiftly tear up executive orders that he doesn’t like. These may include an order on paid sick leave for federal contractors. (Forbes)
First 100 Days Is Like a Honeymoon Period
A president’s influence typically is at its greatest during the first 100 days, as Congress tends to listen to the president more during this period, research shows. A new president also often may issue executive orders early on that contradict a prior president’s policies. (FiveThirtyEight)