Trump’s First 100 Days Marked by Rising Prices, Trade War Fallout

Celebrating 100 days back in office, President Donald Trump defended his aggressive trade policies, despite mounting criticism that they are driving up the cost of living. During his 2024 campaign, Trump promised to bring prices down “on day one.” However, under his America First Trade Policy, many Americans are now facing higher prices instead of relief.

Trump’s sweeping tariffs include a 10% rate on most imported goods, 25% on autos, steel, and aluminum, and a staggering 145% on Chinese imports. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called the China tariffs “the equivalent of an embargo.” China swiftly retaliated by raising its own tariffs on U.S. goods to 125%, and the European Union is reportedly preparing similar responses.

In an April interview with ABC’s Terry Moran, Trump defended the tariffs and dismissed concerns about inflation. “That’s good… they deserve it,” he said of China. Trump claimed the tariffs would punish foreign nations rather than American consumers, but experts estimate the new policies could cost U.S. households between $4,000 and $8,000 annually due to rising prices on everyday goods.

Despite clear economic strain for many, Trump insists the U.S. is thriving. He brushed off concerns about reputational damage abroad and mocked his predecessor’s perceived frailty, claiming the U.S. is once again “respected” and no longer “laughed at.”

Public sentiment, however, paints a different picture. A joint ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll shows Trump with the lowest 100-day approval rating in 80 years. Most respondents describe his presidency as “scary” and “chaotic,” signaling voter unease in his second term.