President Trump’s return to the White House has certainly stirred the waters, with fast-moving executive actions, shifting tax policy, and market volatility making waves across the financial landscape.
If you’re a high-income earner, business owner, or investor, you may be wondering: What does all this mean for my long-term financial picture?
At Envision Wealth Planners, we don’t chase headlines. We help you stay grounded, nimble, and focused on what truly matters: building a financial life that supports your goals today and your legacy tomorrow. Whether this political season brings new opportunities, new challenges, or both, we’re here to help you make informed decisions, minimize surprises, and stay aligned with your purpose.
Let’s explore what the first 100 days of the Trump administration might signal for taxes, markets, and long-term planning—and how to keep moving forward with clarity and confidence.
Why the First 100 Days Matter and What They Signal for the Road Ahead
The “First 100 Days” of a presidency have long served as a symbolic milestone—a chance to gauge early momentum, key decisions, and the tone being set for the term ahead. The tradition goes back to Franklin D. Roosevelt, who responded to the Great Depression with a historic wave of legislation in his first three months. Since then, every new administration—fairly or not—has been measured by what it accomplishes early on. [1]
In President Trump’s second term, those early days have been marked by a fast-paced flurry of executive actions. Business leaders might recognize the strategy at play: the OODA loop (observe, orient, decide, act). First developed for military use and later popularized in the business world by executives like JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon, this framework helps organizations stay focused and flexible during periods of uncertainty. [2]
It appears Trump’s team is using this model to stay ahead of resistance and move quickly. For investors, this level of velocity may bring some continued market volatility, but it also serves as a reminder. In moments of change, having a clear, flexible plan becomes even more important.
Tariffs in Motion: Negotiation Tool or Market Disruptor?
On April 2, 2025—proclaimed “Liberation Day” by the White House—the Trump administration introduced the most sweeping tariff increases in nearly a century. The rollout began with a blanket 10% tariff on all imported goods, followed by targeted hikes on specific countries starting April 9. While Canada and Mexico are largely exempt, and certain sectors like steel, aluminum, and semiconductors fall under separate guidelines, the broader move reflects a bold reset in U.S. trade policy. [3,4]
According to the administration, this campaign is a direct response to long-standing trade imbalances that have weakened domestic manufacturing and raised concerns about national security. The objectives are ambitious: encourage fairer trade practices, reignite U.S. industrial capacity, and shift more production back onshore. There’s also a fiscal angle: tariff revenues are being framed as a funding source for potential tax cuts, which could reinforce the staying power of these policies. [4]
Markets reacted quickly in the wake of the announcement. The S&P 500 dropped more than 10%, and investor concerns spiked. In response, the administration introduced a 90-day pause on country-specific tariffs—except for China, which now faces rates as high as 145%. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent suggested this pause could be extended for nations actively negotiating in “good faith.” [5,6,7]
While tariffs can be effective as a strategic bargaining tool, history reminds us they can also lead to higher costs for American businesses and consumers if they persist too long. Current projections estimate a potential 7% rise in consumer prices and nearly a 1% dip in GDP. Early reports of layoffs in sectors like auto parts and appliances point to ripple effects already underway. [3]
Tariffs are a powerful, fast-moving policy lever. Whether they lead to stronger trade deals or unintended consequences will depend on how long they last and how global partners respond. In a landscape like this, volatility may be part of the ride, but so is opportunity. Staying diversified and working with an advisor who can help you stay focused on what matters most can make all the difference.
Tax Reform Begins: What High-Earning Families Should Know Now
In the first 100 days of Trump’s second term, tax policy has started to take shape—more quietly than tariffs, but with significant implications. While much of the public conversation has centered on trade, Republican lawmakers have been moving steadily behind the scenes. In February, they passed a budget resolution that paves the way for $4.5 trillion in tax cuts through reconciliation, a process that bypasses Senate filibusters and allows legislation to pass without bipartisan support. [8]
The initial focus: locking in core provisions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act before they sunset. For high-income earners, that could mean continued access to lower rates, business-friendly deductions, and a potential revision to the state and local tax (SALT) deduction. The latest version of the House framework lifts the SALT cap to $40,000 with income-based phaseouts, offering partial relief for those in high-tax states. There is some dissension in the Senate about this limit, and we are now in a waiting game to see what the final bill looks like.
Looking ahead, a broader package, dubbed the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” is expected to combine these extensions with larger tax reforms. While the proposal has sparked debate, particularly around its fiscal impact, supporters see it as a long-term play to boost U.S. economic competitiveness. From their perspective, it’s also a signal of support for the role high earners and business leaders can play in driving future growth. [9,10]
Our role at Envision isn’t to debate politics; it’s to help you plan proactively and stay ready for what’s ahead. As the tax landscape continues to evolve, we’ll be watching closely for opportunities to align smart planning with your long-term goals.
Navigating What Comes Next with Confidence
The first 100 days have made it clear: Trump’s second term is moving fast, making bold moves, and reshaping the economic conversation. From trade and taxes to deregulation and more, the tone has been set, and it’s one of urgency, speed, and significant change.
For investors and high-net-worth families, this isn’t a time to react to every headline. It’s a time to stay focused on what you can control. Some shifts may open doors. Others may introduce complexity. But over time, what drives success isn’t prediction; it’s preparation, adaptability, and a plan that’s built to evolve.
Our goal is to support clients in navigating change with clarity and confidence. That means stepping up to filter through the noise, staying grounded in your long-term goals, and making thoughtful adjustments when needed. We’re not in the business of making predictions; we’re here to help you make smart, values-aligned financial decisions that stand the test of time.
If you’re thinking about how to position your wealth for the road ahead, we’re ready to listen. Let’s have a conversation about what’s changed, what’s possible, and how your plan can support what matters most—now and in the years to come.
Sources:
- https://www.history.com/articles/fast-facts-on-the-first-100-days
- https://fortune.com/2024/04/09/jamie-dimon-jpmorgan-military-leadership-tactic-ooda-loop/
- https://www.csis.org/analysis/liberation-day-tariffs-explained
- https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/04/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-declares-national-emergency-to-increase-our-competitive-edge-protect-our-sovereignty-and-strengthen-our-national-and-economic-security/
- https://finance.yahoo.com/news/the-stock-market-comes-all-the-way-back–and-then-some-chart-of-the-week-110010271.html
- https://www.cnbc.com/2025/06/11/bessent-tariff-pause-negotiations-trump.html
- https://itep.org/trump-tariffs-tax-increase-impact/
- https://itep.org/house-budget-resolution-tees-up-damaging-trump-tax-cuts-agenda/
- https://www.whitehouse.gov/articles/2025/06/the-one-big-beautiful-bill-will-supercharge-our-economy/
- https://taxfoundation.org/blog/salt-deduction-cap-increase-proposal-analysis/
Sean Gerlin, CFP®, CPWA®, ChFC®, CLU®, is the Founder and Principal of Envision Wealth Planners, a fee-only financial advisory firm based in the greater Orlando area. Sean specializes in helping high-income families, business owners, and commercial real estate executives align their wealth with their values through a comprehensive Financial Life Planning approach. Learn more about them at envisionplanners.com.
This material has been edited with the assistance of artificial intelligence tools. The information presented is based on sources believed to be reliable and accurate at the time of publication. This material is for educational purposes only and does not necessarily reflect the views of the author, presenter, or affiliated organizations. It should not be construed as investment, tax, legal, or other professional advice. Always consult a qualified professional regarding your specific situation before making any decisions.