President Trump recently held a rally in Michigan to mark the 100th day of his second term. Although it was not a campaign event, it shared many characteristics with one. Trump spoke for almost an hour and a half, falsely claimed victory in the 2020 presidential election, danced to “YMCA,” and acknowledged long-time supporters attending the event.
Addressing a group called the Front Row Joes, Trump expressed his nostalgia for the campaign trail, stating, “I miss the campaign.”
While the rally was advertised as a celebration of his first 100 days, Trump used the platform to bask in the crowd’s support, criticize President Joe Biden for various national issues, and claim he is not receiving due recognition for his achievements.
Among the policies highlighted was the deportation of alleged Venezuelan gang members to El Salvador, a move currently facing legal challenges. Recently, the Supreme Court temporarily blocked further deportations under the Alien Enemies Act, which Trump has utilized to deport over 200 individuals to El Salvador.
During the event, Trump showed footage of prisoners being transported to El Salvador while the audience responded with approval.
Trump also defended his tariff policy, asserting it as a measure against countries he views as trading unfairly with the U.S., despite concerns from economists and consumers about potential economic repercussions. He claimed that tariffs, such as those on China, were ending significant job losses.
Additionally, Trump addressed his fluctuating trade policy, recently signing actions to alleviate tariff impacts on U.S.-based automakers. He stressed the importance of flexibility in his approach to trade, indicating a firm stance towards companies not manufacturing within the U.S.
He also criticized the news media and pollsters, dismissing unfavorable approval ratings as “fake polls.” A recent NPR/PBS News/Marist survey reported his approval at 42%, a figure Trump contested, suggesting it should be much higher.
Moreover, Trump targeted Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, criticizing his handling of interest rates and asserting greater knowledge in the matter.
The rally included frequent criticisms of former President Biden, accusing him of high inflation, allowing undocumented criminals into the country, and endorsing unfavorable trade deals.
Participants in the rally, some expressing a desire for Trump to serve beyond a second term, chanted for a third term, despite constitutional limitations. Communications aide Margo Martin joined Trump on stage and mentioned “Trump 2028,” prompting enthusiastic reactions from the crowd.
