From cheese hats to renaming oceans: Surreal first 100 days of Trump 2.0

Trump leaned in to kiss Melania during the inauguration. (Screengrab/X/@cspanJeremy)

Easter Bunny, bloodied trading cards, and the Pope

At the White House Easter Egg Roll, Trump was flanked not only by Melania but also by the iconic Easter Bunny mascot as he delivered remarks mourning the death of Pope Francis. Later, he proudly showed children a set of Trump-themed trading cards—including one depicting his bloodied face shortly after surviving the 2024 assassination attempt.

Goodbye Gulf of Mexico, Hello ‘Gulf of America’

In February, Trump declared the Gulf of Mexico would now be called the “Gulf of America.” From aboard Air Force One, he signed an executive order, displayed a doctored map, and cued the pilot to announce, “We are flying over the newly renamed Gulf of America.” Cheers erupted inside the aircraft. The altered map now hangs in the Oval Office, partially covering a portrait of Ronald Reagan.

‘Everything’s Computer!’ – Trump’s Tesla moment

During a Tesla showcase on the White House lawn, Trump hopped into an electric car and marveled, “Wow! Everything’s computer!” The off-the-cuff remark became an instant meme. Critics mocked him further when he appeared to read directly from a Tesla sales pitch, with Elon Musk standing nearby.

Musk’s Nazi Salute, Chainsaw Rant, and Cheese Hat

Billionaire Elon Musk, now frequently dubbed “First Buddy,” is carving out a controversial spotlight. At Trump’s inauguration, he made a gesture resembling a Nazi salute, later brushing off criticism by saying, “The ‘everyone is Hitler’ attack is sooo tired.”

In February, he showed up at a conservative event wearing shades, waving a chainsaw gifted by Argentine President Javier Milei, and accusing Democrats of “treason.” Then, ahead of a key Wisconsin race, Musk wore a cheese-shaped hat at a rally where he backed a losing Republican candidate.

‘Liberation day’ sparks market chaos

On April 2, Trump announced sweeping new tariffs on countries ranging from China to Canada, dubbing the press conference “Liberation Day.” Armed with a large, colour-coded chart, he detailed “reciprocal tariffs,” which immediately sent global markets into a tailspin.

Oval office meltdown with Zelenskyy

A high-stakes meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy erupted into a shouting match involving Trump and Vice President JD Vance. Vance scolded Zelenskyy, asking, “Have you said thank you once?” despite the Ukrainian leader having publicly thanked the US numerous times. Trump accused Zelensky of “gambling with World War Three.”