US President Donald Trump highlighted what he termed significant economic successes and vehemently criticized Democrats during a rally in Michigan, as polls indicated a growing skepticism among Americans regarding his stringent trade and immigration policies.
At a rally styled as a campaign event to commemorate his first 100 days in office, Mr. Trump asserted that his tariff measures on US trading partners could revitalize domestic manufacturing.
“We had the greatest economy in the history of our country,” Mr. Trump remarked about his initial presidency from 2017 to 2021. “We achieved great things, and we are doing even better now.”
Recent weeks have seen a decline in public approval regarding Mr. Trump’s performance, particularly concerning economic management amid persistent inflation.
He reiterated his call for Congress to implement significant tax cuts, a move that nonpartisan budget analysts warned could add trillions to the nation’s $36.6 trillion debt.
“In the coming weeks and months, we will pass the largest tax cuts in American history, which will include no tax on tips, no tax on Social Security, and no tax on overtime,” Mr. Trump announced to the crowd in Warren, home to the General Motors Technical Center and located about a dozen miles from downtown Detroit.
Watch: Donald Trump claims to have the most successful first 100 days of any US president
The president condemned “radical left lunatics,” engaged in a brief confrontation with a heckler, and asked the audience to share their favorite nicknames for his predecessor, Joe Biden.
Mr. Trump, speaking in front of a banner reading ‘The Golden Age,’ paused to show attendees a professionally produced video montage that showcased the results of his administration’s enforcement against illegal immigration, featuring alleged gang members undergoing head shaving before incarceration.
Before the rally at a National Guard base, the president praised his administration’s advancements in defense.
“I’ll be supporting a record-setting $1 trillion investment in our national defense,” Mr. Trump declared, addressing dozens of troops, including his Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Democratic Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
Mr. Trump informed the audience at the Selfridge military base that they would receive 21 Boeing F-15X jets.
Governor Whitmer stated that this move secured the base’s mission and represented a “huge, bipartisan win for Michigan” that would safeguard jobs.
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Yesterday, Mr. Trump signed an order to mitigate the impact of his auto tariffs with a combination of credits and relief from other levies.
At the Warren rally, he portrayed his tariffs as a crucial economic lifeline for Michigan.
“With my China tariffs, we are ending the greatest job theft in the history of the world,” Mr. Trump proclaimed, drawing cheers. “China has taken more jobs from us than any country has ever taken from another country.”
He added that he believed a trade deal with China was forthcoming. “But it’s going to be a fair deal,” he emphasized.
Concerns about a recession have intensified as Mr. Trump initiated a global trade war, increasing tariffs to levels that economists warn could severely impact trade with several countries, particularly China. This shift has unsettled both investors and companies.
Donald Trump told the crowd in Michigan that he missed the campaign trail
Nevertheless, the audience in Michigan appeared largely unconcerned.
Paul Ruggeri, a 65-year-old retired steelworker, expressed acceptance of some short-term economic discomfort to support Mr. Trump’s policies.
“I don’t want the economy to collapse, but we can’t continue on the current path,” Mr. Ruggeri stated. “We need to make changes. It might be a bit painful for a while. We will likely see some price increases, but change is necessary.”
Democrats vigorously criticized Mr. Trump’s presidency on the Senate floor yesterday evening, branding their counter-programming effort as ‘100 days of chaos,’ with multiple speeches.
Some labeled Senate Republicans as “co-conspirators” for covertly opposing Mr. Trump’s agenda while refraining from outright criticism.
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“The president is testing and violating the boundaries of our constitution, consolidating power for himself as the economy falters, infringing on Americans’ rights and damaging our international reputation,” remarked Senator Richard Durbin of Illinois, the chamber’s No. 2 Democrat.
“However, it seems the ambition within the Republican-controlled legislative branch is nearly nonexistent as Donald Trump’s administration spirals out of control … It is, in fact, the silence of the lambs.”
Outside the community college where Mr. Trump’s rally took place, demonstrators lined a busy street, displaying upside-down American flags and holding signs that read: “I dissent”.
Mr. Trump informed the audience inside that he missed the campaign trail and energetically delivered a speech that often resembled a candidate’s rhetoric more than that of a sitting president.
Former president Joe Biden is “sleepy,” the media is “fake,” judges opposing him are “communist,” Democratic adversaries are “radical left,” and friendly nations have “exploited us more than foes in trade,” Mr. Trump enumerated as he articulated targets of his disdain.
President Donald Trump vowed to finalize trade deals
Mr. Trump has transformed the United States like few presidents before him.
His billionaire supporter Elon Musk has implemented drastic reductions in the federal workforce, while Mr. Trump has altered global relations through imposing sweeping tariffs, criticizing allies, and significantly scaling back foreign aid.
Polls indicate that the traditional honeymoon period often allotted to newly-elected presidents by Americans has dissipated for Mr. Trump, who has vehemently rejected the results but has subtly recognized the need to temper some policies as turmoil in the stock market negatively impacts public sentiment.
Wall Street, having fallen over 6% since Mr. Trump assumed office, saw a slight uptick yesterday upon the announcement of his intention to ease some of the extensive tariffs affecting automakers.
Supporters chanted ‘USA!’ as President Donald Trump spoke
After a term from 2017 to 2021 where some aides sought to curb his approach, Mr. Trump has this time surrounded himself with loyal supporters, asserting to reporters that he is on track to fulfill all his objectives for a second term.
Unlike most presidents, Mr. Trump prioritizes energizing his base over broadening his appeal, and many of his supporters remain steadfast.
“He’s incredible. While everyone worries about tariffs, we remain unconcerned—look at all the other positive developments as well,” stated Donna Fitzsimons, a 65-year-old merchandise seller at the Michigan rally venue before Mr. Trump’s appearance.
Stock markets advanced after Donald Trump announced he would ease some of the tariffs impacting automakers
“People fail to understand that it takes time to reach the desired destination,” she added.
Even with Congress narrowly in Republican control, Mr. Trump has pushed the boundaries of presidential power, issuing more than 140 executive orders, many encountering judicial scrutiny.
He has sought to eliminate birthright citizenship, which is guaranteed by the US Constitution, and Mr. Musk has decisively slashed billions of dollars allocated by Congress.
