“From AI Coal to TikTok U-Turns: Trump’s Wild First 100 Days in Tech
Day One: TikTok Lives (For Now)
Donald Trump’s presidency began with a bang—or rather, a reprieve. On his first day, he halted enforcement of the TikTok ban, a move that surprised many given his previous hardline stance. The Biden-era restrictions were rolled back, leaving the app’s future in limbo while the administration reassessed national security risks 17.
But TikTok wasn’t the only tech policy flipped on its head. Trump also scrapped Biden’s AI executive order, replacing it with a new directive prioritizing “American AI dominance”—even if that meant powering data centers with coal 17.
The DOGE Debacle: A Master Database of Americans?
One of the most controversial moves was the expansion of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Elon Musk’s pet project to “streamline” federal operations. Reports revealed DOGE was compiling a cross-agency database with IRS, Social Security, and voter records—raising alarms about privacy and overreach 1. House Democrats called for an investigation, but with Musk’s influence (and sinking favorability), the project plowed ahead 16.
Tariffs, Trade Wars, and Tech Whiplash
If there’s one thing Trump loves, it’s tariffs—but even the tech industry wasn’t spared. After slapping 125% tariffs on Chinese goods, the administration temporarily exempted smartphones and chips, only to warn they’d be included soon. The result? Volatile supply chains and companies scrambling to adjust 14.
China retaliated, calling the U.S. an “economic joke,” while analysts warned of a mild recession triggered by trade instability 4. Meanwhile, Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariff plan offered a 90-day pause for countries willing to negotiate—adding another layer of uncertainty 6.
AI’s Dirty Secret: Coal-Powered Data Centers
In a move that left Silicon Valley baffled, Trump signed an order pushing coal as the future of AI energy. The directive called for studies on retrofitting coal plants to power data centers, framed as a way to boost “beautiful clean coal” (an oxymoron to many) 17.
Tech leaders, already begging Congress for more energy solutions, were less than thrilled. But with the Paris Climate Agreement scrapped and wind farms paused, the administration made its priorities clear: fossil fuels first, renewables last 57.
CFPB Chaos and the Fight Over Consumer Protection
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) faced near-annihilation as Trump’s team moved to fire 1,483 of its 1,690 employees. A judge temporarily blocked the mass layoffs, but the message was clear: digital payment regulations, medical debt oversight, and data protection teams were on the chopping block 1.
Critics called it a blow to financial transparency, while the administration defended it as “restructuring for efficiency” 19.
What’s Next?
With protests mounting (including a “National Day of Action” against Trump’s policies) and legal challenges piling up, the tech industry is bracing for more turbulence 19. Key questions remain:
- Will TikTok’s reprieve become permanent?
- Can DOGE’s data grab survive legal scrutiny?
- Will coal-powered AI actually happen?
One thing’s certain: Trump’s first 100 days set the stage for a tech policy showdown—and the next 1,360 days could be even wilder.
Why This Matters
Tech isn’t just about gadgets—it’s about jobs, privacy, and global competitiveness. Trump’s rapid-fire changes have left companies scrambling, activists protesting, and investors nervous. Whether you love or hate his policies, one thing’s clear: the tech world won’t be the same after this.
Final Thoughts
This isn’t just politics—it’s real-world disruption. From AI to tariffs, the rules are being rewritten. The question is: Who benefits, and who gets left behind?
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