Trump celebrated his '100 days in office' at a large rally in Michigan on Tuesday local time, informing supporters of his 'significant economic victories'.
Main Rhetoric: He reiterated that 'the economy is doing well, and will do even better', sharply criticizing the 'radical left' and former President Biden, and accusing Federal Reserve Chairman Powell of 'not fulfilling his duties'.
Core Policies and Achievements Declaration
1. Defense Investment
Promised a record $1 trillion defense budget, announcing on-site that Selfridge Base in Michigan will receive 21 F-15X fighter jets, emphasizing this as a 'bipartisan win' for job security.
2. Tariffs and Trade
That day, signed orders on Air Force One to ease the impact on the auto industry through tariff and tax reductions; Secretary of Commerce Ross claimed a permanent 'reciprocal' tariff exemption agreement had been reached with a certain country (unnamed).
3. Attitude Towards the Federal Reserve
Once again publicly criticized Powell, stating that he has failed to effectively control inflation.
Polls and Public Reactions
- Declining Approval Ratings: The latest Reuters/Ipsos poll shows Trump's overall approval rating at 42% (down from 47% in January), with economic management approval at 36%, the lowest of his term.
- Economic Concerns: High inflation and large-scale tariffs have triggered worries about 'trade almost coming to a halt' and economic recession, weakening his image as an 'economic strongman'.
Congressional Dynamics and Opposition
- Senate Democrats push back: That day, Senate Democrats launched several speeches criticizing Trump under the slogan 'chaotic 100 days'; some Republican senators were accused of 'quietly opposing' his agenda without publicly stating so.
In-Depth Interpretation and Impact Analysis
1. Election Situation Considerations
- Michigan's Criticality: As a decisive state in 2020, Michigan is crucial for Trump's comeback; the large-scale rally aims to reshape his image as an 'economic defender' among blue-collar voters in the Midwest.
2. Economic Policy Contradictions
- Defense vs. Livelihood: The dual-track policy of high military spending and tax cuts seems to create a short-term 'military-industrial rally', but if inflation remains high, the public's actual purchasing power may struggle to sustain.
- Cost of Trade Friction: On one hand, tariffs aim to 'protect' domestic industries; on the other hand, they significantly increase costs for businesses and consumers, deviating from his 'Make America Great Again' selling point.
3. Public Opinion Divergence
- Urban vs. Rural: Urban voters in Michigan (like Detroit) are sensitive to high prices, while rural areas may be more attracted to 'protectionist' policies; how the rally sways between the two will directly impact the election landscape.
4. Institutions and Checks
- Legislative-Executive Game: The Senate Democrats' and some Republicans' 'quiet opposition' is becoming apparent, showing that checks on Trump's agenda are emerging. If cooperation in Congress is weak, the implementation and coherence of his policies may be constrained.
5. Outlook for the Next 100 Days
- Energy Sustainability: Boosting momentum through defense investments and large-scale rallies, but if inflation and trade friction risks do not ease, economic data in the second half of the year may further suppress his approval ratings.
- Key Variables: The employment data, price trends, and the actual effects of any new trade agreements in the coming months will directly determine voters' confidence in his second term.
Summary:
Trump reinforced his 'economic warrior' image through the Michigan rally, showcasing defense and trade achievements, but polling and market reactions indicate that his economic governance effectiveness has not been widely recognized.
The internal divisions in Congress and the rising inflation pressure are constraining the long-term release of its policies, adding more uncertainty to the 2024 election landscape.