In a wide-ranging interview on Chicago’s Morning Answer with Dan Proft and Amy Jacobson, political commentator Scott McKay said Donald Trump’s return to the White House has produced “the most productive administration” in decades, pointing to immigration enforcement, government reformation, and judicial strategy as early hallmarks of his second term.
The conversation came amid growing commentary from political heavyweights such as historian Niall Ferguson, who recently argued that Trump’s first 100 days have been among the most consequential in presidential history. McKay agreed, with a few caveats.
“There are a few things that haven’t happened yet—like peace in Ukraine—but that’s not necessarily Trump’s fault,” McKay said. “It’s only been 100 days, and he’s up against entrenched actors on the world stage and at home.”
McKay pointed to Trump’s firm action on immigration as one of the most visible successes so far. With reports of border enforcement policies significantly reducing illegal crossings, he credited Trump with delivering on the promises that brought him back to office—unlike his predecessors, who, McKay noted, failed to reform the Department of Education or take serious steps to rein in bureaucratic overreach.
“If your name isn’t Randi Weingarten, you’re probably thrilled at what’s happened to the Department of Education,” McKay quipped, highlighting what he called the “gutting” of the agency’s grip on local schools.
Perhaps most significant, McKay argued, is Trump’s strategic use of the Supreme Court. With a 6–3 conservative majority, Trump has pushed structural legal challenges—such as the case challenging birthright citizenship—that could set major precedents. “Even if he loses a temporary injunction, the long game is precedent,” McKay said. “If he wins these cases, it becomes settled law.”
Despite media and legal opposition, McKay said the Biden-era strategy of filing lawsuits against every Trump initiative is beginning to backfire. “They’re suing everything to stop him, but if you lose, you create new precedent,” he explained. “It’s a short-sighted tactic that only fuels Trump’s momentum.”
While acknowledging the economy remains a work in progress, McKay expressed confidence in Trump’s trade strategy with China, his moves to dismantle DEI initiatives in government, and efforts to reform the intelligence community and FBI.
“There’s a lot more to come,” McKay said. “If this pace continues and Trump picks up seats in the midterms, his final two years could be even more transformative.”
As Democrats struggle with low congressional approval ratings and internal fractures, McKay predicted a turbulent road ahead for Trump’s opponents. “They’ve lost the center,” he said. “And the American people aren’t buying what they’re selling.”
The interview concluded on a hopeful note for conservatives. McKay called Trump’s first 100 days a “blockbuster” and said the country could be on the cusp of a political realignment—if Republicans can keep the momentum going.
“If you think this has been fast-paced,” McKay warned, “just wait until Congress catches up.”