So is the benchmark important or not? In downplaying it perhaps Trump is implying, rightly, that the first year counts more. But the first 100 days set the tone for the first year. There is no question his first 100 days have been eventful, but this has done nothing for his approval ratings, which languish around 40 per cent. He has singled out as a success the building of relationships with foreign leaders. In that respect his reaching out to President Xi Jinping through face-to-face and telephone contacts is positive for cooperation in addressing bilateral, regional and global issues. A case in point is the risk of military conflict over North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats. The contact between Trump and Xi appears to have had some effect, with an important military anniversary in North Korea having passed without a nuclear or missile test, and the Trump administration telling lawmakers this week it will apply economic and diplomatic pressure , which served to tamp down talk of military action.