As Donald Trump marked his first 100 days back in office with characteristic showmanship, he took the opportunity to double down on his aggressive trade agenda—one that, critics argue, is driving up the cost of living for many Americans.
Back in August 2024, then-candidate Trump made a clear promise: to make life more affordable.
“When I win, I will immediately bring prices down, starting on day one,” he declared, vowing to increase domestic oil production with his familiar “drill, baby, drill” mantra.
‘America First’ Policy
Upon returning to the White House just over 100 days ago, Trump swiftly implemented his “America First Trade Policy.” The plan aims to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign goods and address trade deficits by imposing tariffs and other trade-related fees.
On April 2, Trump announced a 10% tariff on imports from most countries, set to increase further on July 9 unless new trade deals are reached. Additional tariffs include:
- 25% on autos, steel, and aluminum
- 25% on goods from Canada and Mexico
- A steep 145% on imports from China, described by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent as “the equivalent of an embargo”
In response, China raised its tariffs on American products to 125%, and the European Union is reportedly preparing its own countermeasures.
‘They Were Ripping Us Off’
In an interview with ABC’s Terry Moran, Trump defended the sweeping tariffs, denying they would necessarily lead to price hikes on consumer goods.
“That’s good… they deserve it,” Trump said, suggesting that China might absorb the tariffs. “They were ripping us off like nobody’s ever ripped us off.”
He added that the problem wasn’t limited to China.
“Almost every country in the world was ripping us off,” he said.
But China isn’t backing down. A spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry reaffirmed Beijing’s opposition to U.S. tariffs, warning of further escalation in the ongoing trade war.
Economic Fallout at Home
Despite Trump’s insistence that the U.S. economy is thriving, many Americans are feeling the squeeze.
“The country’s doing great,” Trump claimed. “We’re fixing it… Wait till you see the real numbers in six months.”
However, reports indicate that Trump’s trade policies could end up costing American families between $4,000 and $8,000 annually due to rising prices on imported goods—from toys and electronics to groceries and cars.
When Moran pointed out the financial pressure facing voters, even some who supported him, Trump brushed it off.
“Well, they did sign up for it, actually,” he said. “And this is what I campaigned on.”
Though he had also promised to reduce prices, Trump insisted he had delivered on that pledge.
Mixed Reviews and Low Approval
Public opinion paints a more troubling picture. According to an ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll, Trump has the lowest 100-day approval rating of any president in the past 80 years.
- 55% of respondents disapprove of his performance
- A separate poll by The New York Times and Siena College shows only 42% approval, with many describing his presidency as “scary” and “chaotic”
Despite his bold rhetoric and sweeping economic policies, Trump’s early days back in office appear to be marked more by turbulence than triumph for many Americans.
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