Trump feels tug of political gravity as economy falters and polls plunge

The president started his second term fast and furious with a flurry of activity - much of it legally dubious - but analysts say the honeymoon is over

Not 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 on 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.