Trump marks a century in office with a campaign-flavored public gathering

In a packed Michigan rally, Trump boasts about his claims of a historically successful first 100 days, but public sentiment is shifting

The energy in the room was palpable as the 78-year-old President trumpeted his administration's achievements, disregarding the mounting disillusionment among Americans. His speech, reminiscent of a campaign rally rather than a presidential address, dismissed critics and targeted various groups, including the media, political opponents, and friendly nations.

"Sleepy Joe," fake news, communist judges, radical leftists, and countries who have taken advantage of us on trade - these were just some of the adversaries Trump named, fueling the exuberant crowd's chants of "USA! USA!"

Trump pledged to finalize trade deals, but provided scant details. To reinforce his controversial immigration policy, he showed a video of handcuffed and shackled migrants being escorted off a plane, bused, and having their heads shaved.

A disruptive presidency

Since his tenure, Trump has significantly shaken up the U.S., unlike few presidents before him. Elon Musk, his billionaire supporter, spearheaded dramatic federal workforce reductions, while Trump himself revolutionized international relations through aggressive tariffs, verbal attacks on allies, and the elimination of foreign aid.

The honeymoon that usually comes with a new presidency has vanished for Trump, who has fiercely denied the polls indicating waning American support. Despite this, he has conceded that he must modify certain polices in response to stock market volatility. Recently, he walked back threats to dismiss Jerome Powell, who warned about the potential for tariffs reigniting inflation, while still criticizing the Federal Reserve chair on Tuesday as "not doing a good job."

After a four-year term marked by attempts to constrain him by aides, Trump has surrounded himself this time with unwavering loyalists. Before heading to the rally, Trump stated confidently, "I think either we've done everything, or it's in the process of being done."

Portrait of an empire

Trump replaced a portrait of the first black U.S. President, Barack Obama, in the White House's grand entrance hall with a painting of himself surviving an assassination attempt. He has employed threats to cut government access and contracts to pressure law firms with prior involvement in cases against him and has frozen billions in funding for universities, which have been vocal critics.

Pushing boundaries

Unlike most presidents, Trump focuses more on energizing his base than expanding his appeal, and his loyal following remains steadfast. "He's amazing. We don't care about tariffs - look at everything else that's coming together too," said Donna Fitzsimons, a 65-year-old merchandise seller at the Michigan rally venue.

The Democratic Party seizes on economic uncertainties, but struggles in polling. The party criticized Trump's first 100 days as a colossal failure, attributing the hardships to him. Even with Congress narrowly in Republican hands, Trump has pushed the boundaries of presidential power by issuing more than 140 executive orders, many facing court scrutiny. He has attempted to end birthright citizenship, a move challenged by the U.S. Constitution, and summary elimination of billions in congressionally-appropriated funds by Elon Musk.

Asked in an ABC interview about concerns he is seizing too much power, Trump responded, "I would hate them to think that. I'm doing one thing: making America great again." Via ABC, Trump also indicated hope that his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, wants peace.

Sources

Trump's first 100 days in his second term marked by tariffs, deportation, and tech CEOs
Trump administration's first budget: Overview and key provisions
Trump administration's immigration policy, explained
Project 2025: A Vision for American Education

Insights

Tariffs and trade disputes have created economic uncertainty and the potential for further inflation.
The Trump administration's immigration policies have targeted various groups, including migrants, international students, and countries with which the U.S. has historically maintained positive relationships.
Aggressive regulatory cuts are affecting funding for lifesaving research and transparency efforts within universities.
Trump's first 100 days have been marked by controversy, with numerous executive orders facing legal challenges and criticism from various sectors.

The United States, under Trump's presidency, has witnessed a significant shake-up, with controversial international relations, aggressive tariffs, and elimination of foreign aid.
Russia's peace intentions were hinted at by Trump, as he expressed hope that Vladimir Putin desires peace, during an ABC interview.
Despite ongoing economic uncertainties, the Democratic Party finds itself struggling in polls while criticizing Trump's administration for a colossal failure during the first 100 days.
In an attempt to expand presidential power, Trump has issued over 140 executive orders, many facing court scrutiny.
The international arena is closely watching the federal war-and-conflicts policy and legislation enacted by the United States during this period, as it illustrates the administration's approach to geopolitics.
Biden, in response to stock market volatility, has conceded that certain policies may need modification, signaling a more nuanced approach to policy-and-legislation compared to the Trump administration.