Episode 27 – Surviving Trump: The First 100 Days - The Left Strikes Back

Episode Summary:
In Part Three of our four-part series on Donald Trump’s first 100 days of his second term, we’re shifting perspectives to examine how anti-Trump voices are responding to his chaotic and controversial return to power. For Trump’s critics — from journalists and activists to everyday Americans — these 100 days are not just a rocky start but a dangerous turning point. From executive overreach to economic fallout, from mass deportations to media crackdowns, we explore why so many believe the country is on the edge of authoritarianism.

In This Episode:

• What Anti-Trump Voices Are Saying: Why critics see Trump’s first 100 days as a calculated attempt to consolidate power, not govern responsibly.
• Consequences of Trump’s First 100 Days: How his policies are driving up prices, destabilizing markets, and stoking international tensions.
• Understanding Trump and His Base: Why traditional persuasion tactics fail with Trump’s loyalists — and what critics are focusing on instead.
• When Cruelty Is the Point: How human rights abuses, political retribution, and attacks on civil liberties are being weaponized as policy.
• Polling Data: How public opinion is shifting — and what it says about Trump’s approval, economic concerns, and public sentiment.

Why It Matters:
Trump’s first 100 days have been defined by executive overreach, legal overreach, and authoritarian drift — and the consequences are mounting. Critics argue that Trump isn’t governing to restore stability; he’s using power to punish enemies, reward allies, and reshape democracy in his image. From rising prices and economic insecurity to mass deportations and attacks on the press, the opposition believes the stakes have never been higher. Understanding their perspective isn’t just about opposing Trump — it’s about recognizing the systemic threats to democracy that are unfolding in real time.

Next Episode:
In Episode 28, we’ll dive into the Democrats’ battle plan for the next 100 days. How do they intend to counter Trump’s power grabs, protect vulnerable communities, and rally voters before the 2026 midterms? We’ll outline a roadmap for political resistance, spotlight the rising stars leading the charge, and explore what it will take to restore democratic norms and accountability.

Support the show

Host: Bella Goode

Bella is a former Republican turned democracy advocate raised by middle class parents in Pennsylvania. She is a graduate of Syracuse University and the University of Pennsylvania with a masters of business administration from Wharton and a Masters Degree in Positive Psychology.

Career wise, Bella spent 20 years with American Express in New York and 20 years as an entrepreneur. She started and sold a fitness business that grew to 180 locations worldwide.

Community :

• Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts – Your feedback helps us reach more people. Click to review.
• Follow on YouTube - subscribe here:
• Follow my blog on Substack https://survivingtrumppodcast.substack.com/
• Join the conversation on Bluesky – Find me at @survivingtrump.bsky.social
• Share this episode – If you found this podcast valuable, send it to a friend and tag us on social media.
• Contact me at [e-mail]
• Support the Show