WARREN, HARRISON TOWNSHIP, MI — President Trump marked the first 100 days of his second term with a public rally, choosing Michigan — one of the country’s industrial heartlands — as the symbolic venue to reaffirm his economic and trade agenda and take aim at his political opponents. Addressing a crowd at Macomb Community College in Warren on Tuesday, Trump doubled down on his populist promises of an “American Golden Age.”

“They destroyed Detroit to build up Beijing,” Trump declared, blaming career politicians for outsourcing U.S. manufacturing. He pledged thousands of new jobs through dozens of factories he claims will open thanks to steep tariffs imposed on foreign imports.

Before the rally, Trump landed at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Harrison Township, greeted by Democratic Governor Whitmer. The visit was tied to a bipartisan announcement that the historic base will receive a new fleet of advanced fighter jets.

100 days, 100 years of change, he claimed.

While hundreds of protesters rallied outside, Trump took the stage proclaiming, “We are here tonight in the heart of our nation to celebrate the most successful first 100 days of any administration. Many people agree — this has been the most transformative period in Washington in nearly 100 years.

“They say it’s the best first 100 days of any president in history,” Trump claimed. “We’re just getting started. You haven’t seen anything yet.”

His claim hasn’t been independently corroborated.

Trump also praised falling inflation rates, but harshly criticized Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, claiming, “He’s not doing a good job”, referring to Powell’s resistance to lowering interest rates.

The Fed under Powell has remained cautious on rate cuts, citing ongoing inflationary pressure despite signs of slowing.

Polls show growing public skepticism of Trump’s economic outlook and trade deals

Despite Trump’s optimism, polls show growing public skepticism about his handling of the economy, with many economists warning that tariffs could stifle growth and fuel inflation and unemployment.

Still, Trump ridiculed the media and former President Biden, dismissing polls showing his approval ratings dropping as “fake.”

“Inflation is down,” he insisted. “Interest rates are down. Even though the Fed Chair isn’t doing his job right.

“We’re respected again,” he added. “World leaders are coming from everywhere — India, France, Spain, China — to see your president. They want deals. We’ll make deals. But we don’t need to.”

Trump’s administration is currently pursuing 90 bilateral trade deals during a 90-day tariff pause, launched in early April, in an effort to reset global economic alliances.

“We will make a deal with China,” Trump confidently stated about that country.

Immigration and border security

Trump touted his record on immigration, declaring a significant drop in illegal crossings and promising strict enforcement.

“The biggest success since I got back to the White House is border security,” he said. The White House later announced that more than 65,700 undocumented immigrants have been deported since January.

He also pointed to the rise in arrests of suspected gang members and known terrorists, blaming federal courts for complicating the administration’s efforts.

Elon Musk and inflation claims

Trump brought up Elon Musk, now leading the White House’s Office of Government Efficiency.

“Elon paid a heavy price to help us. The media lies and blames price increases on him.”

Musk has not publicly commented on this alleged role or Trump’s inflation narrative, and fact-checkers have noted no official appointment was made public.

Executive order on auto tariffs

Just before arriving in Michigan, Trump signed a new executive order designed to soften the blow of upcoming 25 percent tariffs on imported vehicles and auto parts. The order includes grants covering up to 15 percent of domestic auto assembly costs for U.S. manufacturers.

“This will give our automakers some breathing room while they reinvest locally,” Trump said. “We don’t want to punish American companies that can’t source everything domestically.”

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stated that these tariffs would not apply to imports from Canada, Mexico or most nations currently under a 10 percent general tariff.

Governor Whitmer joins President Trump and speaks at Selfridge Air National Guard Base.

Reviving Selfridge Air Base

In his speech at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Trump unveiled plans to replace aging A-10 Warthogs with 21 new F-15EX Eagle II fighters, along with modern fuel tankers to support ongoing operations.

Surprisingly, he praised Governor Whitmer for her help securing the new aircraft.

“She came to see me at the White House… to save Selfridge,” Trump said, noting bipartisan collaboration.

Although Whitmer has faced criticism from fellow Democrats for meeting with Trump, she joined him onstage and offered a brief, heartfelt message.

“I didn’t plan to speak, but on behalf of the service members and all Michiganders, I’m thrilled to be here for Selfridge’s restructuring. It’s critical to our economy, our national defense and our future.”

In a formal statement, Whitmer called the announcement a “huge bipartisan win” decades in the making.

“I appreciate the president’s partnership,” she said. “This investment secures jobs and sends a message: Michigan leads the next generation of defense innovation.”

Whitmer’s office clarified she would only attend the military event — not Trump’s political rally — and posted on social media: “I’ll work with anyone serious about getting things done. But I won’t compromise on my values.

“Bipartisanship doesn’t mean abandoning principles,” she added. “It means standing firm while finding common ground to serve the people.”