Trump’s First 100 Days: Chaos, Controversy, and Consequences – Scaramucci and Kinzinger Speak Out.
As President Donald Trump barrels through his first 100 days back in the White House, two high-profile voices—former Congressman Adam Kinzinger and financier Anthony Scaramucci—have issued stark warnings about the consequences of his presidency on markets, global alliances, and democratic institutions. In an exclusive interview with Saxo, the pair didn't hold back in painting a bleak picture of a White House increasingly marked by recklessness, economic self-sabotage, and a troubling disregard for institutional norms.
On Market Stability and Jerome Powell’s Role
Kinzinger believes Jerome Powell has the ability to calm markets, but this hinges on whether Trump will allow him to act independently. He noted that Trump’s previous attacks on Powell were unsettling for markets:
"Does Donald Trump keep attacking Powell when he doesn't like what he does, or does he finally let Powell continue to operate independently?"
Impact of Tariffs
Scaramucci warned of the broader global effects of Trump's trade war, asserting that a recession was likely, with global markets suffering. He pointed out that European markets have outperformed the U.S. since the trade war began:
"I think on the margin, some of the larger European industrial nations will do better because of what Trump is doing to the capital markets in the US."
Trump’s Economic Power and Market Fears
Kinzinger criticized Trump’s economic approach, claiming it was outdated and detrimental, especially when considering how the world has changed since the 1980s. He stressed that Trump is alienating a portion of his base that initially supported him for economic reasons:
"Yes, the market shakes people, but the market is just an emotional tool. The reality is that the market goes down. It's going to come up someday when people decide it's time to come up."
Trump’s Most Dangerous Policy
Scaramucci highlighted that while Trump had success on border control, his trade policies were the most damaging, potentially leading to a global recession:
"The most significant thing that he's done is started a trade war which will lead to a recession and possibly a steep recession."
He also emphasized how Trump’s actions are eroding U.S. global credibility, with European leaders doubting the U.S. as a reliable ally:
"If you're a European leader, I would be saying three things: Number one, I can't really rely on Donald Trump as an ally anymore..."
Musk and Trump’s Relationship
Kinzinger weighed in on Elon Musk’s recent distance from Trump, suggesting that Musk's controversial actions have hurt his businesses, especially Tesla. He stated that Musk’s wealth doesn't give him the authority to dictate government policies:
"The richest man in the world...is the one with a chainsaw on stage telling Americans what they can live without in government."
Scaramucci reflected that Musk likely underestimated the backlash for aligning with Trump:
"I think he was shocked at the reprisal of the stuff that he's done on DOGE, which I think he views as generally patriotic."
The Worst-Case Scenario for Trump’s Presidency
Kinzinger expressed concerns about the dangers posed by Trump’s disregard for norms and institutions, predicting a major crisis would occur if the Supreme Court pushed back against him. He warned that this could determine whether the U.S. faces a constitutional crisis:
"The big real crisis point will be determined by what happens when the Supreme Court...does he follow that order or does he refuse it?"
On Bitcoin and Recession Fears
Scaramucci discussed how Bitcoin, once tied to traditional risk assets, is now trading like gold, potentially offering a hedge against the economic turmoil Trump’s policies are exacerbating:
"We're finally seeing this non-correlation where it's trading a little bit like Gold, which is outperforming."
Future of the Republican Party
Kinzinger predicted that the Republican Party could face a reckoning post-Trump. The direction of the party will likely depend on how badly they fare in future elections:
"The question is: does the party wake up and go back to the party of Reagan, or does it continue this populist thing?"
He suggested that a centrist Democrat might prevail in 2028, but the key is for the Democrats to not lean too far left:
"If you have another conservative Democrat in the mold of Bill Clinton... I think the Democratic Party will win."
Conclusion - The Future Looks Bleak
Trump’s return to the presidency has so far been marked by volatile economic policy, escalating trade conflicts, and a growing alienation from traditional allies. Both Anthony Scaramucci and Adam Kinzinger—one a former Trump ally, the other a principled conservative critic—paint a picture of a presidency spiraling into chaos.
With reckless tariffs, weaponized emergency powers, and collapsing global trust, the cost of Trump’s leadership may only grow. The markets are jittery, institutions are under pressure, and the United States is starting to resemble a cautionary tale more than a global leader.
If these first 100 days are any indication, Trump 2.0 may inflict deeper and more lasting damage than anyone imagined.
