U.S. President Donald Trump marked his first 100 days in office on April 29, 2025, with a rally in Michigan, touting his “America First” agenda while facing declining public support amid economic turbulence caused by his sweeping tariffs.
The milestone, reported by AP News and The New York Times, highlighted Trump’s rapid policy shifts, including a trade war with Canada, Mexico, and China, immigration crackdowns, and foreign policy pivots, but polls show his approval rating dipping to 42%, down from 47% post-inauguration. The rally, held in a state hit hard by auto industry disruptions, underscored both his base’s loyalty and growing unease among moderates.
Trump’s tariffs, imposing 25% levies on Canada and Mexico and 145% on China, have sparked retaliatory taxes, sending financial markets into a tailspin and raising consumer prices, particularly for groceries like avocados, per AP News. The Federation for American Immigration Reform praised Trump’s border security measures, including a proposed $1,000 asylum fee, but criticized his $5 million “gold card” citizenship path for wealthy investors.
Domestic challenges include a cooling labour market, with job openings dropping to 7.192 million in March, the lowest since 2020, fueling calls for Federal Reserve rate cuts, per Reuters. Trump’s address to Congress on March 4 claimed credit for reorienting the economy, but critics, including Democratic Senator Elissa Slotkin, urged Americans not to “tune out” amid policy fatigue. His administration’s directives, such as muting the CDC’s scientific journal and targeting NIH budget cuts, have alarmed health experts. Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s confirmation as Health Secretary, despite no Democratic votes, further polarized opinion.
The 100-day period has disrupted global relations, with India seeking to mitigate Trump’s 26% tariffs through trade talks. Trump’s combative rhetoric, including feuds with Canada’s Mark Carney and criticism of diversity initiatives, contrasts with his 2017 congressional speech promising cooperation. As support slips, particularly in swing states like Michigan, Trump’s ability to maintain momentum hinges on delivering economic stability, with analysts warning of recession risks if trade tensions persist.