Senator Ricketts’ Weekly Column: President Trump’s First 100 Days

Wednesday, April 30th marks 100 days of Donald Trump’s second Presidency. In that time, President Trump has taken historic action to deliver on his promises. He’s securing the border. He’s cutting wasteful spending and improving efficiency. He’s restoring American strength. He’s also fighting to level the playing field on trade. I’m proud to stand with him.

President Trump’s policies are already working. He’s reversed Joe Biden’s failed border policies and ended his abuse of immigration parole. He’s brought illegal border crossings down 94%. He’s deporting criminal illegal aliens. He’s also signed historic legislation into law to close immigration loopholes and improve enforcement of drug laws. These actions are making our country safer.

In partnership with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), President Trump is identifying and eliminating billions in wasteful spending. Joe Biden’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) gave $20 billion to radical climate groups in the closing weeks of his administration. This includes $2 billion to a group connected to far-left Georgia Democrat Stacey Abrams. President Trump is fighting to get that money back. Biden’s State Department was spending $45 million on DEI scholarships in Burma. President Trump cancelled it. There are many more such examples. Cutting this wasteful spending is common-sense.

President Trump is modernizing outdated systems by leveraging technology, like we did when I was Governor. For example, he’s moving from old-fashioned paper checks to fast, secure electronic payments. He’s eliminated duplicative software licenses, many of which had never been used or opened. These process improvements will improve efficiency and transparency. They will also help combat fraud. As a member of the Senate DOGE Caucus, I applaud these actions.

President Trump is restoring American strength. He’s reversed Joe Biden’s appeasement-first foreign policy. He’s revoked visas for terrorist sympathizers. He’s restored deterrence by destroying Houthi terrorists who attack our Navy ships. The President’s strong leadership is bringing the world closer to peace.

Joe Biden was the first President since Jimmy Carter to fail to negotiate a new trade agreement. This led to a record $32 billion agricultural trade deficit in 2024. President Trump is taking action to level the playing field on trade.

In Nebraska, we produce the highest-quality, best-tasting beef in the world. Sadly, many of our allies and partners place tariff and non-tariff trade barriers on our beef. Australia has sold roughly $29 billion of beef in America, but they refuse to allow even $1 of American beef in their country. Vietnam places a 30% tariff on American beef. Thailand’s tariff is 50%. Plus, the European Union limits market access due to radical environmental policies. President Trump is working to fix these imbalances and expand market access.

Biofuels like ethanol are another example. Nebraska is the second-largest producer of ethanol. Brazil places an 18% tariff on American ethanol, but we have no tariff on Brazilian ethanol. Mexico flagrantly violates the terms of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement by refusing to accept our biotech corn. These are the kinds of issues President Trump is trying to address. Countries are already reaching out to negotiate new trade deals. The President deserves the opportunity to get that done. Leveling the playing field will benefit producers and consumers alike.

President Trump is delivering results. I’m proud to support his agenda. I’ll continue fighting to secure the border and cut wasteful spending. I’ll keep working to restore American strength and level the playing field on trade. I’ll always advocate for Nebraska.