
On his 100th day in office, President Trump highlighted his successes, emphasizing improvements in immigration and the economy. BBC
US President Donald Trump celebrated his 100th day in office for his second term with a lively campaign-style speech in Michigan. He proudly highlighted what he called a "revolution of common sense," claiming that his presidency had brought about significant and "profound change." He addressed a crowd of supporters in Detroit, stressing his accomplishments and directing criticism at his political enemies, including former president Joe Biden and the chairman of the US Federal Reserve.
Trump also dismissed polls that showed his popularity slipping, calling them "fake." While the president touted progress on key issues like immigration, his approval rating remains lower than any post-World War II president after 100 days in office. According to Gallup, Trump had an approval rating of 44%, with many Republican voters still supporting him.
At the rally, Trump celebrated the sharp decline in illegal migration into the US, mentioning how the number of border encounters had dramatically fallen from 140,000 in March last year to just over 7,000 in March 2025. He also boasted of the number of deportations, which had reached almost 65,700. However, the pace of deportations has slowed compared to the previous year, when over 270,000 people were removed from the US.
Trump also reflected on his impact on the economy, particularly in Michigan, the center of America’s automotive industry. He claimed that car manufacturers were lining up to open new plants in the state. However, earlier in the day, he adjusted his economic plan to soften tariffs on foreign cars and parts. This shift followed concerns from US carmakers about rising prices.
Despite his optimistic outlook, Trump faced criticism from the Democratic National Committee (DNC), which accused him of failing the country. The DNC blamed Trump for rising costs, struggling retirement plans, and fears of an impending recession, calling his first 100 days a "colossal failure."
Trump’s speech wasn’t all about criticism. He also made fun of Joe Biden, mocking his mental sharpness and even his appearance in a swimsuit. He continued to claim he was the real winner of the 2020 election, despite losing.
The president took aim at Jerome Powell, the head of the US central bank, criticizing his handling of the economy. Trump claimed Powell had failed to manage the economy properly.
While Trump highlighted his success with immigration, his approach has sparked numerous legal challenges. His administration has also faced backlash for its stance on birthright citizenship, seeking to end automatic citizenship for anyone born in the US.
In the speech, Trump showed a video of immigrants being deported to El Salvador and taken to a mega-prison. He also boasted about a drop in egg prices, but government data contradicted his claim, showing that prices had not fallen as much as he suggested.
Trump’s trade war has been another contentious issue. Tariffs on imports have led to rising prices, making things harder for businesses and consumers. Joe DeMonaco, a business owner from Michigan, expressed frustration over the unpredictable tariffs, which he said forced him to raise prices.
Despite these challenges, Trump’s loyal supporters continue to stand by him. Teresa Breckinridge, the owner of a diner in Georgia, praised Trump for his constant efforts to address issues and report back to the people. She believes the tariffs will eventually benefit the country.