Governing for 100 Days: Trump Boasts of Being the "Most Successful First 100 Days" in American History

"We have only just begun!" On the occasion of his 100th day as President of the United States, on Tuesday, April 30, he delivered a lengthy speech at a large celebration rally held in Warren, Michigan. In his speech, he summarized his efforts to shake up the world and America with confident and assertive rhetoric, despite declining poll approval ratings, still calling himself the "most successful first 100 days in any administration in American history," and emphasizing his continued push for the "Make America Great Again" agenda.

Since returning to the White House on January 20, Trump has aggressively promoted the "America First" agenda, signing over 140 executive orders, implementing significant protectionist trade policies, launching crackdowns on illegal immigration, and stirring up the global stage like never before. While shocking the world, this has also deepened divisions within American society. On the occasion of his 100th day in office, many mainstream international media outlets have evaluated his administration using terms such as "chaotic," "revengeful," "isolated," and "divisive." The New York Times published 15 editorials with a unified headline: "Every Day Since January 20 Feels Chaotic."

The celebratory event held on Tuesday near Detroit in Warren was the largest public rally since Trump returned to the White House on January 20 this year. Facing enthusiastic supporters, 78-year-old Trump, as usual, delivered a long speech, saying he "misses campaigning," and his speech still followed the familiar campaign-style rhetoric. He criticized "sleepy Biden," "lying media," said allies "are plundering us more in trade than our adversaries," referred to Democratic opponents as "crazy leftists," criticized Federal Reserve Chairman Powell for "not doing a good job," and attacked "wokeness" and clean energy projects, especially wind energy... all of which were familiar content from his previous speeches.

In his speech, he praised his "achievements" in the economy, defense, and immigration, particularly emphasizing his protectionist economic policies, claiming they would bring about a "new economic golden age" for America. Regarding the crackdown on illegal immigrants, he stated that "we have achieved the safest border in American history so far," claiming that the number of illegal crossers has dropped to a new low. At the rally, his supporters chanted "USA! USA!", and a video clip showing captured illegal immigrants having their heads shaved sparked cheers at the scene.

According to AFP's report, from the moment Trump took the oath of office as President of the United States on January 20, he established himself as the sole focal point of American public life and drew the entire world into his chaotic orbit. In an interview with The Atlantic Monthly on Monday, he said, "I am leading America and the world," adding that he was "having a great time." However, not everyone shared his sentiment. Many Americans are confused by his initiation of a trade war with China and other countries. On Tuesday evening, Trump attempted to soothe these concerns during an appearance on ABC News. He said, "Everything will be fine," and described the massive high tariffs imposed on China as a "good thing," stating that "they deserve it."

The report noted that Trump's administration is built on deepening divisions, and it is not surprising that he did not receive the usual fanfare associated with a president's 100-day debut. Despite his high-profile celebration of his achievements, multiple polls show a sharp decline in Trump's approval ratings domestically. According to the latest joint poll released on Sunday by The Washington Post and ABC News, only 39% of respondents expressed "approval" of Trump's presidential performance. CNN's poll results released that day also showed Trump's approval rating at 41%, the lowest support rate for a president in the first 100 days since Eisenhower took office in 1953. Particularly in the economic sector, only 39% of people expressed approval, the lowest level during his two terms in the White House.

The Democratic Party issued a statement saying, "Trump has done nothing substantial to improve the lives of middle-class families, who are now realizing their initial wrong choice."

The survey also showed that 64% of respondents believed Trump had "overextended presidential power," particularly regarding his approach of pushing policies through mass executive orders. Of the over 140 executive orders signed after his inauguration, many have been rejected by U.S. courts. In response to this, Trump told ABC News, "What I least want is for the American people to think I am too authoritarian." He said, "I am simply doing one thing: making America great again."

Source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1830874766880768/

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