Donald Trump is celebrating his first 14 and a half weeks back in office, and the assessment of his performance during this period has sparked significant debate. As he approaches the symbolic milestone of 100 days in office, the former president is planning to hold his first MAGA rally since the election in Michigan on April 29, 2025. This event is expected to showcase his accomplishments and ambitions, as he seeks to solidify his standing among his supporters.
The phrase "100 days" has taken on a special significance in American politics, originating from the French term coined by the Comte de Chabrol de Volvic in 1815 during the restoration of Louis XVIII. This period has historically served as a report card for U.S. presidents, with Franklin D. Roosevelt's first 100 days in 1933 setting the standard for future assessments. Roosevelt's swift actions to combat the economic crisis of the Great Depression have become a benchmark for evaluating presidential effectiveness.
In stark contrast, Trump faces an awkward reckoning as he reaches this milestone. The S&P 500 stock index is down more than 15% under his administration, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has revised global growth forecasts downward due to Trump's tariff policies. Critics argue that he has undermined America's democratic norms, alleging that he has exploited his position for personal gain, directed federal agencies to target his political opponents, and even pardoned individuals involved in the January 6th Capitol insurrection.
Doug Sosnik, a former White House policy director under President Bill Clinton, remarked in the New York Times that Trump's first 100 days may be the most consequential of any in modern history. He noted that Trump has consolidated extraordinary power in the executive branch, dismantled significant portions of the federal government, and reversed longstanding military and economic alliances.
Trump's supporters, however, maintain a mixed perspective on his initial performance. Luiz Oliveira, a 65-year-old Brazilian immigrant and coffee shop owner, expressed his support for Trump's immigration policies, noting that encounters between migrants and U.S. border agents have dropped to a four-year low. However, he also voiced concerns about the rapid pace of Trump's policy changes, stating, "If this doesn't work, I'll say it's a mistake - he did things too fast, scared the markets, scared the economy."
Meanwhile, Amanda Sue Mathis, a 34-year-old Navy veteran, praised Trump's efforts to restore a merit-based society by rolling back previous diversity initiatives. She feels that Trump's first 100 days have made her "happier with [her] vote," though she remains open to reevaluating her support if he falters.
Ben Maurer, a 39-year-old truck driver from Pennsylvania, expressed delight at Trump's immediate imposition of tariffs, which he believes will ultimately benefit American businesses. He stated, "Trump has earned back the respect [for the U.S.]. We are still the force to be reckoned with." However, he acknowledged the tumultuous nature of the administration's tariff policies, which have led to market fluctuations and economic uncertainty.
June Carey, a 70-year-old artist, noted that while she finds Trump's approach more aggressive than expected, she is impressed by the Department of Government Efficiency led by Elon Musk, which claims to have uncovered substantial waste in federal spending. Yet, she remains cautious about the potential cuts to social security, a lifeline for millions of Americans.
Jeremy Stevens, a 45-year-old automotive repair shop owner, defended Trump's tariff policies, arguing that the perceived economic pain is temporary. "It's a temporary pain," he asserted. "This too shall pass." However, economists warn that the uncertainty surrounding Trump's trade policies has increased the likelihood of a recession, with a recent survey raising the probability of a global recession this year to 47%.
As Trump prepares for his rally in Michigan, he will likely highlight his achievements, including the swift issuance of 124 executive orders in his first 100 days—more than half of the 220 he signed during his entire first term. These orders have targeted various areas, including immigration, economic policy, and social issues, often reversing the initiatives of his predecessors.
However, his foreign policy efforts have faced challenges, as he has yet to achieve peace in Ukraine and has seen tensions escalate in the Middle East. His controversial remarks about making Canada the "51st state" have also drawn criticism, particularly from Canadian politicians, as they head into their elections.
Trump's approval rating during his first three months in office stood at 45%, slightly higher than during his first term but still trailing behind other recent presidents. The Democratic Party's favorability has plummeted to record lows, indicating a shifting political landscape.
As the countdown to the 100-day mark continues, Trump's administration remains a focal point of national discourse. His supporters and critics alike are keenly observing how his policies will shape the future of the United States. With 1,360 days left in his term, the implications of his actions during this period will undoubtedly resonate far beyond the symbolic milestone.
In the meantime, Trump's MAGA rally in Michigan promises to be a pivotal moment for the former president, as he aims to galvanize his base and outline his vision for the remainder of his term. Whether he can maintain the support of his diverse coalition of voters remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the first 100 days of Trump's second presidency have set the stage for a tumultuous political landscape.
