Down to earth

The US president's second term began with a flurry of activity, much of it legally dubious. But analysts say the honeymoon is over.

- David Smith

'N ot just courageous" but "actually fearless", said Doug Burgum. The "first 100 days has far exceeded that of any other presidency in this country ever", said Pam Bondi.

"Most" of the presidents whose portraits adorn the Oval Office - which include George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and Ronald Reagan - were mere "placeholders" who were not "men of action", mused JD Vance.

Before the TV cameras last Wednesday, top cabinet officials took turns drenching Donald Trump with praise that some critics found evocative of politics in North Korea. Yet beyond the walls of the White House, the mood was shifting. New data showed the economy is shrinking. The national security adviser was about to be ousted. Opinion polls told of a president whose unpopularity is historic.

After a hundred days in which Trump at times appeared invincible, political gravity is exerting itself. A majority of Americans regard him as both a failure and a would-be dictator.

From the courts to the streets, from law offices to college campuses, revolt is swelling. Republicans are eyeing next year's midterm elections with nervousness.

"The honeymoon is over," said John Zogby, an author and pollster. "He actually squandered his hundred days, perhaps you can argue, by doing too much, not succeeding with much of it and overplaying his hand. At the end of the 100 days his polling numbers reflect an unsuccessful quarter. Every poll that I know of, including mine, has him upside down." Trump took office on 20 January with huge political capital. He had beaten his election rival Kamala Harris in every swing state and won the national popular vote for the first time, albeit at less than 50%. Having survived four legal cases, his sense of vindication was absolute. Tech billionaires and media moguls came to his Mar-a-Lago estate to kiss the ring.