On Tuesday, President Trump celebrated his first 100 days of a second term at a rally in Michigan. He praised his efforts to tighten immigration policies and claimed he has successfully retaliated against his adversaries, noting that his enemies have struggled to block his agenda.
Addressing around 3,000 supporters at Macomb Community College, located near Detroit, Trump aimed to connect with voters in an area that played a crucial role in his state victory, reflecting a trend of union workers switching from the Democratic to the Republican Party.
In full campaign mode, Mr. Trump included many misleading claims in his speech, such as the unfounded assertion that the 2020 election was stolen, along with hyperboles, jokes, and barbs. He mocked how his predecessor, Joseph R. Biden Jr., appeared in a swimsuit and asked the crowd to cheer for their favorite derogatory nickname for Biden: “Sleepy Joe” or “Crooked Joe.”
At one moment, Mr. Trump reminiscenced about the excitement of campaigning.
The rally was meant to boost support for his economic policies, which have been affecting his popularity negatively. Signs around the venue urged, “Buy American. Hire American.”
His large tariffs have negatively impacted the stock market and contributed to a decrease in his approval ratings. While many Americans supported Trump’s presidency in January and February, recent polls indicate a significant decline in approval.
The audience responded enthusiastically to his agenda. Supporters voiced approval of his tariff policies aimed at revitalizing manufacturing jobs in regions like Detroit, which has seen a population drop of one-third since 2000.
Brian Pannebecker, a retired auto worker supporting Trump’s tariffs, emphasized that “Macomb County is the home of the Reagan Democrats.” Approximately 56 percent of votes in the county went to Trump in the 2024 election.
Outside the rally, protesters gathered with signs stating “I dissent.” Two protesters who managed to get inside were escorted out by security, prompting laughter from Trump after he mistakenly referred to one by the wrong gender.
A significant part of Trump’s speech revolved around his strict immigration policies, which have led to a noticeable drop in border crossings but also raised concerns about the due process for arrested individuals. Trump showcased a dramatic video featuring drone footage of men in military attire deporting migrants in El Salvador while shaving their heads.
Since taking office, Trump’s administration has heavily promoted its deportation policies, with President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador collaborating on these efforts. Both governments have shared sensational videos of deportations on social media.
During the speech, Trump inflated his achievements, claiming incorrectly that only three migrants had evaded his border agents.
He portrayed himself as decisive, noting the swift execution of his executive decisions, having signed over 130 this year—almost as many as Biden did throughout his entire term.
Trump expressed pride in using significant executive power to reduce what he termed “incompetent and unnecessary deep state bureaucrats.”
According to a recent New York Times/Siena College poll, half of voters considered the upheaval Trump has caused in the political and economic landscape to be detrimental to the country. Only 36 percent deemed the changes positive, with voters stating he has “gone too far” on several issues, including tariffs, immigration policy, and federal workforce reductions.
Despite his declining approval ratings, Mr. Trump expressed little worry, dismissing the polls as rigged.
In response to his rally, the Democratic National Committee released a statement. “While Donald Trump lives in his delusions, Michigan families—along with millions of working families across this country—must contend with the consequences of his dangerous, chaotic, and economy-destroying agenda,” said Ken Martin, D.N.C. chairman.
Prior to the rally, Trump attended a bipartisan event at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, adopting a more serious demeanor and announcing an injection of new resources, including 21 fighter jets, which are crucial for the base’s future.
“This will keep Selfridge at the forefront of northern American air power,” Mr. Trump stated.
At the event, Trump acknowledged Governor Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, a Democrat who faced criticism for her visit to the White House. Whitmer joined Trump on stage, expressing her happiness over his announcement.
“I’m really excited to be here,” Ms. Whitmer remarked after the president’s speech.
