Trump’s 100-Day Victory Lap Comes with a Cost: Soaring Prices and Trade Tensions
Celebrating his return to the Oval Office with trademark flair, Donald Trump marked his first 100 days back in power by doubling down on a message that’s hitting American wallets hard. While defending his aggressive trade war, the former president made it clear: economic pain is a price he’s willing for Americans to pay.
Back in August 2024, Trump had made bold promises to the American people.
“When I win, I will immediately bring prices down, starting on day one,” he declared on the campaign trail. He touted increased domestic oil production with the familiar rallying cry, “We will drill, baby, drill.”
‘America First’—at a Steep Price
Once back in office, Trump wasted no time rolling out his America First Trade Policy—a sweeping plan to slash dependence on foreign nations and rein in trade deficits. The centerpiece? A sweeping series of tariffs.
On April 2, Trump imposed a 10% tariff on most imports. That figure will spike by July 9 unless bilateral trade deals are secured. Additional tariffs include:
- 25% on autos, steel, and aluminum
- 25% on goods from Canada and Mexico
- A staggering 145% on imports from China—a move U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent likened to “an embargo.”
Predictably, China struck back with tariffs up to 125% on American products. The European Union is also preparing retaliatory measures, according to Reuters.
‘They Deserve It,’ Says Trump
In an April 29 interview with ABC’s Terry Moran, Trump defended the tariffs, brushing off concerns that they would spike prices for everyday Americans.
“That’s good… they deserve it,” Trump said of China. “They were ripping us off like nobody’s ever ripped us off.”
He insisted the impact on U.S. prices is still uncertain and claimed, without evidence, that “China probably will eat those tariffs.”
But according to China’s foreign ministry, they won’t eat anything. Beijing reiterated its opposition to U.S. tariff “abuse,” signaling a worsening trade war.
‘We’re Doing Very Well’—But Who’s “We”?
Despite warnings from economists and signs of growing financial strain, Trump remained upbeat.
“The country’s doing great,” he said. “We were laughed at. They thought we were stupid. Now we’re fixing it.”
Critics say it’s Americans who are paying the price. Reports estimate that Trump’s trade war will cost U.S. households between $4,000 and $8,000 per year, thanks to higher prices on everything from electronics and clothing to food and vehicles.
Global Reputation in Question
Pressed by Moran on growing global resentment—particularly from Canada after Trump’s comments about “possessing” the country—Trump brushed it off.
“That’s their prerogative,” he said. “I’ve done an amazing job. I’m making America great again.”
And in true Trump fashion, he took a final swipe at his predecessor:
“We had a president who couldn’t walk across a stage without falling. We were laughed at all over the world.”
The Reality Behind the Rhetoric
Despite his lofty promises, Trump’s trade war has pushed the cost of living even higher—a sharp contrast to the affordability he pledged just months ago. With global tensions rising and Americans footing the bill, many are left wondering: how much more will it cost to make America ‘great’ again?
‘I Didn’t Sign Up for This’—Trump Pushes Back Amid Growing Discontent
In a pointed exchange during his recent interview with ABC’s Terry Moran, President Trump was asked about the growing frustration among Americans—including many who once supported him.
“People are worried, even some who voted for you, saying, ‘I didn’t sign up for this.’ So how do you answer those concerns?” Moran asked.
Trump didn’t flinch.
“Well, they did sign up for it, actually. This is exactly what I campaigned on,” he said, defending his hardline trade policies. “We’ve been abused by other countries at levels nobody’s ever seen before.”
He also pushed back on criticism that he failed to lower costs, a key promise of his campaign.
“I have,” Trump said, denying any broken promises—despite evidence to the contrary.
Public Opinion: ‘Scary’ and ‘Chaotic’
The American public appears unconvinced. A new ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll shows Trump with the lowest 100-day approval rating of any U.S. president in eight decades—55% disapprove of his performance so far.
A New York Times/Siena College poll paints a similarly grim picture: just 42% approve of his second-term job performance, while a majority described his presidency as “scary” and “chaotic.”
Despite Trump’s defiance and grandstanding, the mood across the country feels more anxious than energized.