Trump’s 100-Day Return Marked by Bold Promises, Tariffs—and Soaring Prices
Marking 100 days since his return to the Oval Office, Donald Trump celebrated in signature style—grand, brash, and defiant. But behind the showmanship came a stark message: his aggressive trade war, designed to put “America First,” is also making life increasingly unaffordable for many Americans.
Back in August 2024, Trump made a clear promise to voters: under his leadership, the cost of living would drop.
“When I win, I will immediately bring prices down, starting on day one,” he vowed at a campaign rally, also repeating his iconic line, “We will drill, baby, drill,” as he pledged to boost domestic oil production.
The ‘America First’ Trade Offensive
Just over three months into his second term, Trump launched the America First Trade Policy—a sweeping economic initiative aimed at slashing the nation’s reliance on foreign imports and correcting what he called “destructive trade deficits.”
On April 2, Trump unveiled a 10% tariff on imports from most countries, set to take effect July 9 unless bilateral deals are reached. Additionally, he imposed:
- 25% tariffs on cars, steel, and aluminum
- 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico
- A staggering 145% tariff on Chinese goods—what Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described as “the equivalent of an embargo”
Predictably, the global response was swift. China retaliated with 125% tariffs on American products, while the European Union is preparing countermeasures of its own, according to Reuters.
Trump: “They Were Ripping Us Off”
Speaking to ABC’s Terry Moran, Trump brushed off concerns that his tariffs could make basic goods—from electronics to clothing to housing—more expensive.
“That’s good… They deserve it,” he said bluntly, defending his stance as a necessary act of economic patriotism.
“China probably will eat those tariffs… But at 145%, they basically can’t do much business with the United States. They were ripping us off like nobody’s ever ripped us off.”
Trump doubled down, claiming nearly every foreign country had been taking advantage of the U.S. for years.
But Beijing has no intention of backing down. A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson reiterated China’s “firm opposition” to what it sees as tariff abuse—signaling more turbulence ahead.
“The Country’s Doing Great”—But Is It?
Despite growing financial pressure at home, Trump insisted the U.S. economy is thriving.
“We’ve been abused for years. They laughed at us. They thought we were stupid. And we’re fixing it,” Trump told Moran in a combative April 29 interview.
“Wait till you see the numbers six months from now.”
He dismissed criticism over his global reputation, particularly from Canada, where Trump’s remarks about “possessing” the country stirred outrage.
“That’s their prerogative,” he shrugged. “We’re a respected country again.”
Reality Check: Soaring Costs for American Families
Yet, the economic burden on American households tells a different story.
Analysts estimate that Trump’s trade policies will cost U.S. families between $4,000 and $8,000 annually, largely due to higher prices on imports—from food and fuel to cars, clothes, and electronics.
So while Trump celebrates his first 100 days back with fiery speeches and bold declarations, many Americans are already paying the price—literally.
“I Didn’t Sign Up for This” — Trump Defends Policies Amid Tumbling Approval Ratings
“People are worried—even some of your own voters—saying, ‘I didn’t sign up for this,’” ABC’s Terry Moran pressed President Trump in a recent interview.
Unfazed, Trump shot back:
“Well, they did sign up for it, actually. This is what I campaigned on. I said—we’ve been abused by other countries at levels that nobody’s ever seen before…”
The president also doubled down on his promise to lower prices. When asked whether he had failed to deliver on that front, he quickly denied it:
“I have,” he said, without offering specifics.
The Mood of the Nation: ‘Scary’ and ‘Chaotic’
But for many Americans, Trump’s second term so far feels less like a return to strength and more like a rollercoaster ride.
A joint ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll reveals that Trump currently holds the lowest 100-day approval rating of any U.S. president in the last 80 years—55% disapprove of the way he’s handling the job.
A New York Times/Siena College survey paints a similar picture: only 42% of respondents approve of his performance, with a significant number describing his presidency as “scary” and “chaotic.”
Public Doubts vs. Presidential Confidence
Despite the backlash and rising cost of living, Trump remains unwavering, touting his policies as bold solutions to long-standing global “abuse.” But the data suggests many Americans feel more punished than protected.
As his second term unfolds, the question remains: will his aggressive strategies pay off—or continue to deepen the divide?
What’s your take on Trump’s first 100 days back in office? Drop your thoughts in the comments and share this story to keep the conversation going.
