Trump celebrates first 100 days amid slogans, attacks on Biden and economic promises

In his first rally of his second term, the US president returns to fire up the crowd in Michigan: claims, campaign style and jabs at his predecessor

A hundred days before returning to the White House, Donald Trump takes the stage with a campaign-style rally in the industrial town of Warren, Michigan. It is the first ‘rally’ of the second presidential term and, as per script, Trump does not shy away from triumphalist tones, biting jokes against Joe Biden and bombastic promises on the economy, jobs and security. ‘We are here to celebrate the most successful 100 days of any administration in the history of our country,’ he proclaims from the stage, crediting himself as the author of the best presidential start ever.

His statements thrill the audience, but do not convince the US fact checkers who, in real time, debunk some of the boldest claims. Still, Trump goes on his way: amidst the self-incense and attacks on his predecessor, there is one passage that will please Italian-Americans.

Tariffs and the automotive industry: warning to foreign manufacturers
In an iconic state for the automotive industry, Trump touches on one of the most sensitive topics: tariffs. ‘It’s not a step backwards, it’s flexibility,’ he says referring to the decision to allow more time for automakers to bring production back to the US. But he warns: ‘Those who don’t will be hit with 25% tariffs’. And he cites the Stellantis Group among the companies ready to invest ‘billions’ on US soil.

China, India and new trade agreements
On the international front, Trump says the US is ‘very close’ to a trade deal with India and says he is confident of reaching an agreement with Beijing as well. ‘They will all come here. Even China. We will conclude a fair deal,’ he promises, amidst the enthusiasm of those present.

Crowd calls for third term
Amid slogans and chants, the crowd is pushing for another bid. ‘Three! Three!’ can be heard shouting. Trump glosses with a smile, reminding that ‘a great president should serve two terms’ but leaves the subject hanging. When he calls Margo Martin, his staff photographer, to the stage, she wryly raises, ‘2028, what do you think?’ And the crowd explodes again.

Blows at Biden and the opposition
The former president does not spare his historic rival any attacks: he calls him ‘that crazy guy’ and accuses him of abandoning the rule of law. He then jokes about images of Biden in a swimming costume at 82, ironically comparing him to Cary Grant. ‘At some point you need other qualities,’ he jokes, before adding, ’He was falling asleep on the beach, I was thinking about how to stop the war in Ukraine or beat China.’

Borders, security and ‘hostile’ judges
Immigration and security return to the centre of the speech. Trump claims a drastic reduction in illegal entries, claiming that ‘for the past two months we’ve been breaking records’, and hurls heavy accusations at the judiciary: ‘We cannot let communist and radical judges block the president’s action. No one will stop my mission to restore security to America,’ he warned.

The return of Columbus Day
Before the greetings, Trump returns to speak to the pride of Italian-Americans: ‘Yesterday I restored Columbus Day. It was a due gesture, after years of penalties towards your community’. The holiday, which celebrates the landing of Christopher Columbus, will return on 13 October.

A new ‘American dream’?
‘We are saving the American dream,’ Trump concludes. Amid calls for common sense, promises of secure borders, low taxes, efficient schools and a strong military, the president draws his vision of an America in rebirth. ‘After years of disastrous policies that impoverished Detroit to enrich Beijing, you now have an advocate for working people in the White House,’ he says. The message is clear: Trump is preparing to make a strong mark in this second term as well.

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(Photo: © AndKronos)