U.S. President Donald Trump celebrated the 100th day of his second term in office with a fiery campaign-style rally in Michigan, where he praised his administration’s record, took aim at political rivals, and promised more radical reforms in the months ahead. Addressing a cheering crowd in a suburb of Detroit, Trump hailed his presidency as a “revolution of common sense,” claiming he had already brought “profound change” to the United States.
The Trump 100 days in office rally, which had all the hallmarks of a 2024 campaign stop, highlighted Trump’s continued influence and combative approach to governance. He used the platform not only to tout achievements on immigration and trade but also to lambast Democratic leaders, the Federal Reserve, and even mainstream media.
“We’ve just gotten started,” Trump declared. “You haven’t seen anything yet.”
Trump proudly touted a dramatic reduction in illegal border crossings, claiming that encounters at the southern border had dropped to just over 7,000 in March 2025, a sharp decline from 140,000 in the same period last year. He credited his strict immigration policies and aggressive deportation strategy for the turnaround. According to the White House, nearly 65,700 immigrants have been deported during the first 100 days of his second term.
However, immigration advocates and legal analysts warn that many of these actions face constitutional challenges. Trump’s proposal to eliminate birthright citizenship has already sparked multiple lawsuits, while civil liberties groups argue that mass deportations raise human rights concerns.
Part of Trump’s rally included a video presentation showing deportees being sent to a high-security facility in El Salvador, a move critics say was designed to stoke fear and support among his base.
Trump also addressed the economy, which remains a complicated issue for his administration. While inflation, mortgage rates, and energy costs have declined since his return to office, other key indicators present challenges. Unemployment has edged up slightly, consumer sentiment has weakened, and stock markets have experienced sharp volatility due to Trump’s aggressive tariff policies.
The president attempted to reassure automakers and Michigan voters by announcing a temporary easing of tariffs on foreign car imports—a key demand from domestic manufacturers worried about rising production costs.
Still, business owners like Joe DeMonaco, a Michigan carpenter, remain cautious. “The on-and-off tariffs are hurting more than helping,” he told the BBC. “I expected a more stable approach this time around.”
Trump also drew ire from fact-checkers after claiming during the rally that egg prices had dropped by 87%—a figure at odds with official government data.
Trump’s speech was peppered with personal attacks. He mocked former President Joe Biden’s physical appearance, mental acuity, and even invited the crowd to vote on their favorite Biden nickname. He also slammed Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, accusing him of failing to stimulate the economy despite interest rate cuts.
Opinion polls may suggest a dip in Trump’s approval ratings—Gallup recently put him at 44%—but his core supporters remain fiercely loyal. The Republican base continues to back his confrontational style, while the Democratic Party struggles to unify its messaging.
The Democratic National Committee released a scathing statement in response to Trump’s milestone, calling the first 100 days a “colossal failure.”
“Trump is to blame for rising living costs, economic uncertainty, and the looming threat of a ‘Trump recession,’” the DNC said.
Despite the criticism, Trump appears energized by the challenges ahead. His speech signals a readiness to double down on the populist rhetoric and hardline policies that have defined his presidency. For many, the Michigan rally served as both a celebration and a call to arms for the 2026 midterm elections.
“He’s handling things wherever he can,” said Teresa Breckinridge, a loyal supporter from Georgia. “I believe the tariffs will benefit us in the long run. He’s working harder than ever.”
As Trump enters the next phase of his presidency, the country remains starkly divided over his vision. Whether his bold claims will translate into sustained policy success remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Trump is not backing down.