Trump Administration Faces Scrutiny Over $220 Billion Spending Surge in First 100 Days, Contradicting Fiscal Conservatism Pledge

In the first 100 days of President Donald Trump’s second term, the federal government has increased its spending by approximately $220 billion compared to the same period in 2024. This increase comes despite campaign promises to reduce federal expenditures. The analysis, conducted by CBS News using the Treasury Department’s daily financial reports, highlights a significant rise in daily government spending, surpassing the levels seen in nine of the past ten years. The only exception was in 2021, when spending surged due to efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and stave off an economic crisis.

Paul Dans, the former head of Project 2025, has commented on the administration’s progress, noting that President Trump has made substantial strides in reversing liberal policies that have been in place since the era of Franklin D. Roosevelt. Dans, who was instrumental in crafting a conservative transition plan and policy blueprint for the recent presidential election, emphasized the need for additional legal support to uphold the administration’s policies in court. He described the current efforts as a dismantling of the “progressive architecture” established by previous administrations.

The increase in spending has been a point of focus for analysts and policymakers, as it contrasts with the administration’s stated goals of fiscal conservatism. The spending patterns observed during this period reflect a shift in priorities, with the government allocating more resources to various initiatives. This development has sparked discussions about the long-term implications for the federal budget and the broader economic landscape.

As the administration continues to implement its agenda, the financial strategies and policy decisions will likely remain under scrutiny. Observers are keen to see how the increased spending aligns with the administration’s broader objectives and what measures will be taken to address the fiscal challenges that may arise from this trend.