President Donald Trump celebrated the 100th day of his second term with a defiant, campaign-style rally in a Detroit suburb on Tuesday. Addressing a passionate crowd, he proudly touted his administration’s accomplishments while launching sharp criticisms of his political rivals and institutions, solidifying his outsider image.

A “Revolution of Common Sense”

Trump opened his speech by describing his presidency as a “revolution of common sense” and emphasized the profound changes his leadership had brought to the country. "You haven’t seen anything yet," he declared, promising continued transformation under his administration.

Tough Immigration Policies and Deportations

A central theme of Trump’s speech was his administration’s tough immigration policies. He claimed illegal border crossings had dropped dramatically, from 140,000 in March 2024 to just over 7,000. He also highlighted nearly 65,700 deportations since his return to office, airing a video showing deportees being sent to a mega-prison in El Salvador to emphasize his hardline stance.

Economic Record Under Fire

Trump also boasted about his economic record, claiming reductions in energy costs, lower mortgage rates, and a sharp decline in egg prices. However, several of these claims were contradicted by government data. While inflation has eased slightly, unemployment has risen, and concerns over the impact of tariffs remain, with some local business owners worried about potential price hikes.

In response to backlash from US automakers, Trump moderated his position on proposed tariffs for foreign automobiles and parts but reassured the crowd that manufacturers were “lining up” to build new plants in Michigan, a key state for the automotive industry.

Criticism of Political Rivals

Trump did not hold back in his criticism of political opponents. He mocked former President Joe Biden and Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, dismissing negative polling that showed his approval rating at just 44%. Calling such polls “fake,” he urged his supporters to ignore what he deemed dishonest media narratives.

Trump’s approval rating remains historically low, with Gallup noting that he is the only post-World War II president to have a sub-50% approval rating after 100 days into his second term. Despite this, his base remains largely loyal, and Trump showed no sign of moderating his combative approach.

Reactions in Michigan

Reactions to Trump’s rally were mixed. While some attendees voiced concerns about the economic impact of rising tariffs, others praised Trump for his directness and optimism. Local carpenter Joe DeMonaco said, “We’re just treading water and waiting to see if things improve.” However, Teresa Breckinridge, owner of Silver Skillet Diner in Atlanta, was upbeat, stating, “He’s doing what needs to be done and staying in touch with the people. I believe the tariffs will eventually benefit us.”

Democratic Criticism

Trump’s early presidency has faced significant criticism from Democrats. The Democratic National Committee (DNC) called his administration a “colossal failure” and warned of a looming “Trump recession,” citing economic challenges that could worsen under his policies.

As Trump continues to hold rallies across the country, it’s clear that he remains unapologetically bold in his approach. He is determined to energize his supporters while dismissing criticisms from his political opponents and the media. With 1,360 days remaining in his second term, the nation remains divided over the long-term impact of his leadership and policies.