Trump's First 100 Days: Supporters Weigh Progress, Pain, and Promises

[Social Media]

 

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Trump's First 100 Days: Supporters Weigh Progress, Pain, and Promises

 

When Donald Trump staged his historic return to the presidency earlier this year, his diverse coalition of supporters — truck drivers, business owners, veterans, and others — played a crucial role. Now, 100 days into his second term, the BBC revisited five of them to gauge how they view the early days of Trump’s renewed leadership.

 

Luiz Oliveira, a Brazilian immigrant who came to the U.S. legally in the 1980s, says Trump's fast-paced policy changes have been difficult to keep up with. Living in Nevada, Luiz is particularly pleased with Trump’s aggressive immigration stance, including new border restrictions and deportations, which have helped drive encounters at the U.S.-Mexico border to a four-year low.

 

He describes the recent influx of migrants as an “invasion” and adds, “This is my house, my yard, and you're not going to stay here.” However, Luiz admits he is nervous about Trump's tariff policies. While he supports the goal of making other countries pay “their fair share,” he worries about the short-term economic pain. “It’s going to be painful [and] I don’t think it’s going to be as fast as he says. I’m a supporter, but at the end of the day, if this doesn’t work, I’ll say it’s a mistake — he did things too fast, scared the markets, scared the economy.”

 

Amanda Sue Mathis, a 34-year-old Navy veteran, feels strongly that Trump is delivering on his promises. She praises him for focusing on domestic issues rather than foreign wars, saying, “There were a lot of people who cared about the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine, but I think it’s time we look at our country and get things in order before we go fix other countries’ problems.” She welcomes Trump’s rollback of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion policies and supports executive orders banning gender-affirming care for minors and restricting transgender women from female sports.

 

 

Believing that Trump is “kicking butt” and restoring a “merit-based society,” she says his first 100 days have made her “happier with [her] vote.” Yet, Amanda Sue is clear-eyed about her loyalty, stating, “I’m not one of those people who is always for Trump. If he messes up, I’ll be the first one to tell you.”

 

For Ben Maurer, a 39-year-old freight truck driver from Pennsylvania, Trump's quick action on tariffs has reaffirmed his support. Tariffs were central to Ben’s backing of Trump, and he is thrilled the president wasted no time imposing them on countries from China to Canada. Despite some turbulence — with tariffs being raised, lowered, and delayed during trade negotiations — Ben feels the strategy is working. “Trump has earned back the respect [for the US],” he says, believing businesses will ultimately benefit. He adds that Trump’s greater preparation this term is evident, noting, “We are still the force to be reckoned with.”

 

In California, artist June Carey has mixed feelings about Trump’s second term. “He’s a bit more aggressive and a little bit more erratic than I expected,” she admits. Nevertheless, she is impressed by the “waste” uncovered by the Department of Government Efficiency, led by billionaire Elon Musk. Though skeptical of Musk, June says, “Musk is a character I don’t understand. My feeling is that if Trump has trusted him as much as he has, then he must be a pretty good guy with the right ideas and the right goals.” Concerned about welfare spending, June supports many cuts but is anxious that Social Security remains protected. She asks, “Why would they cut [social security] when they’ve cut so many things that have saved them millions and millions of dollars?”

 

Finally, in Maine, automotive shop owner Jeremy Stevens remains a faithful Trump backer. “Trump is very aggressively getting things he promised on the campaign trail done,” he says. Jeremy acknowledges customer concerns about the economic turbulence tariffs have caused, but believes critics are missing the bigger picture. “There definitely is a perception out there about the impact of these policies that is short-sighted,” he argues. Although economists warn of a possible U.S. recession, Jeremy is optimistic, saying, “It’s a temporary pain. This too shall pass.”

From cautious optimism to unwavering faith, Trump’s supporters continue to navigate the triumphs and tensions of his turbulent return to power — convinced, for now, that the president is on the right path.

 

  Adpated by ASEAN Now from BBC  2025-04-28

 

 

 

[newbee2022]

His approval rates are the lowest comparing to others after their first 100 days. Only one president got lower rate before: Himself in his first term.

42/,41 , Biden 57, Obama 65.

I'm waiting for the Midterms ❤️

[Peterw42]

Hard to judge really, as it turns out any of the core promises like ending Ukraine war (on day one), lowering grocery prices etc, were all said in jest (his exact words in TIME  magazine interview). Lucky nobody took him seriously and voted him in on those core promises.

[hotsun]

I give anything from the BBC a skip

[newbee2022]

48 minutes ago, hotsun said:

I give anything from the BBC a skip

Yeah, better stay with Truth Social🤣

[Watawattana]

I'm no great fan of the BBC but at least this seems a bit balanced.  I like the comment bu the ex-Navy woman "but I think it’s time we look at our country and get things in order before we go fix other countries’ problems".  That's a mantra that too many past presidents have bypassed and has led to some countries freeloading off of the US and to a lot of hatred of Americans from some parts of the world.

[Dirk Z]

Anyone here proud to be an American these days? 

[stevenl]

His supporters don't weigh, they support regardless. 

[UWEB]

He compete failed in all aspects.

[coolcarer]

7 minutes ago, stevenl said:

His supporters don't weigh, they support regardless. 

From someone who ignored the OP completely and went for a one liner deregatory slur instead

[WDSmart]

The title should read, "...Lack of Progress, Pain, and Broken Promises." Of which, the first and last I applaud. 

[Eric Loh]

100 days of chaos & destructions that has no equal in US history. Failed in every form of measurement. Economic, foreign policy, constitution and even legislative failures with only 5 bills signed into law and none major. Cosy up to global despots, lost allies and fractured Nato. His border pledge of mass deportation not fulfilled (Biden already reduced border crossing). DOGE with their made-up numbers and disregard for law and order. If America has a parlimentary system, he will be called up for a vote of no confidence. 

[garzhe]

As a European, what the past month has shown me is that the American Constitution needs some serious amendments, since it was never envisaged in the 18th century that an aspiring dictator could be elected president.

[jerrymahoney]

Trump’s Tariffs Prompt Wave of Lawsuits as States and Businesses Fight Back
The cases are the latest test of the president’s expansive claims of executive power.

April 27, 2025 NY Times via https://archive.ph/8bk1M

 

No president before Mr. Trump had ever imposed such import taxes under the (IEEPA) emergency law, which does not once mention the word “tariff.” That omission has set the stage for a series of pivotal legal clashes, hinging in part on whether the law truly empowers the president “without actually, explicitly saying tariffs,” said Ted Murphy, a co-leader of the global arbitration, trade and advocacy practice at the law firm Sidley Austin.

 

The latest lawsuit arrived Thursday from the Pacific Legal Foundation, a group with reported ties to the conservative donor Charles Koch. On behalf of a clothing company, a board game designer and other small businesses, the group faulted Mr. Trump for imposing an “unlawful and unconstitutional” 145 percent tariff on Chinese goods, resulting in higher prices for American businesses.

 

Another legal group with ties to Mr. Koch and the conservative financier Leonard A. Leo sued early this month on behalf of a Florida (stationery) company facing high costs from the president’s tariffs on China. Mr. Leo is a co-chairman of the Federalist Society, which has advised Mr. Trump on judicial appointments. *

 

* Including all 3 Trump first term appointments to the Supreme Court

 

 

[Eric Loh]

1 hour ago, garzhe said:

As a European, what the past month has shown me is that the American Constitution needs some serious amendments, since it was never envisaged in the 18th century that an aspiring dictator could be elected president.

Aspiring dictator Trump can be impeached for many offenses including defying the Supreme Court order in the case of Kilmar A Gracia, abuse of emergency order, emoluments violations and dismantling government oversights and even due to the escalating street protests. Not now because of the cowardly Republicans that control the House and Senate but maybe next year when there are signs that the Democrats can win the majority in both Houses. Let's hope they succeed to save America from tyranny. 

[xylophone]

3 hours ago, newbee2022 said:

His approval rates are the lowest comparing to others after their first 100 days. Only one president got lower rate before: Himself in his first term.

42/,41 , Biden 57, Obama 65.

I'm waiting for the Midterms ❤️

Below is not unexpected as the approval rates are befitting a clown who doesn't know how to run a casino, let alone a country!! In truth he couldn't run a bath!!

 

"Donald Trump’s approval ratings have fallen to the lowest level for any president in 70 years ahead of his 100th day in office.

 

Voters have turned against the president amid concerns over the impact of his tariffs, his handling of foreign policy and even immigration.

 

Trump’s approval rating has plummeted to 41% – the lowest for any newly elected president since Dwight Eisenhower and below the president’s own first term, according to one CNN poll.

 

The April survey of 1678 adults found that Trump’s popularity ratings were down 4% since March and seven points since February, with just 22% saying they strongly approve of his presidency so far and 45% saying they strongly disapprove.

 

Trump’s score for managing the economy has fallen five points to a career low of 39% with only half of Americans expressing confidence in his ability".

[spidermike007]

This is unquestionably the worst first hundred days in the history of the American presidency, this man is a one-man wrecking crew. 

 

He does not get it. But, he will eventually. US influence is not what it used to be. And they will pay a huge price for his isolationism, ignorance, arrogance, tariffs (tax hikes), environmental recklessness, and unwillingness to abide by the law. 

 

Trump is threatening to impose tariffs on rivals and allies alike, without any satisfactory explanation of why one is being tariffed and the other not, and regardless of how such tariffs might hurt U.S. industry and consumers. It’s a total mess. As the Ford Motor chief executive Jim Farley courageously (compared to other chief executives) pointed out, “Let’s be real honest: Long term, a 25 percent tariff across the Mexico and Canada borders would blow a hole in the U.S. industry that we’ve never seen.”

So, either Trump wants to blow that hole, or he’s bluffing, or he is clueless. If it is the latter, Trump is going to get a crash course in the hard realities of the global economy as it really is — not how he imagines it.

 

Trump has tried to bend the U.S. economy to his will. But one force is unbowed: the financial markets. Trump says the outcome of his tariffs will eventually be “beautiful.” So far, it’s been an difficult three months with consumer confidence plummeting, stock markets convulsing and investors losing confidence in the credibility of Trump’s policies. It has become a time of anxiety instead of his promised golden age of prosperity. He is a train wreck. 

[jerrymahoney]

Speech: Donald Trump Holds a Post-Inaugural Rally at Capitol One Arena - January 20, 2025

Believe me, you're going to see a lot of companies come pouring back because tariffs. I always say tariffs is the most beautiful word to me in the dictionary. Then I was reprimanded by the fake news. They said what about love, religion and God. I said I agree. Let's put God number one. Let's put religion number two.

 

 And then (number three) it's tariff because tariffs are going to make us rich as hell. It's going to bring our countries businesses back that left us. And I also signed an executive order to immediately end federal government censorship of the American people.

 

https://rollcall.com/factbase/trump/transcript/donald-trump-speech-inauguration-executive-orders-capitol-one-arena-january-20-2025/

[xylophone]

31 minutes ago, jerrymahoney said:

Speech: Donald Trump Holds a Post-Inaugural Rally at Capitol One Arena - January 20, 2025

Believe me, you're going to see a lot of companies come pouring back because tariffs. I always say tariffs is the most beautiful word to me in the dictionary. Then I was reprimanded by the fake news. They said what about love, religion and God. I said I agree. Let's put God number one. Let's put religion number two.

 

 And then (number three) it's tariff because tariffs are going to make us rich as hell. It's going to bring our countries businesses back that left us. And I also signed an executive order to immediately end federal government censorship of the American people.

 

https://rollcall.com/factbase/trump/transcript/donald-trump-speech-inauguration-executive-orders-capitol-one-arena-january-20-2025/

LOL, as the song goes........"it's only words, and words are all I have........" and that about sums trump up!!

[Will B Good]

I'll never understand why this method of interviewing a few individuals and posting their comments is even vaguely relevant to any situation.

 

Unless every single person, chosen at random, happens to say the same thing of course, then you might have a case.

 

 

[BLMFem]

4 hours ago, Peterw42 said:

Hard to judge really, as it turns out any of the core promises like ending Ukraine war (on day one), lowering grocery prices etc, were all said in jest (his exact words in TIME  magazine interview). Lucky nobody took him seriously and voted him in on those core promises.

How convenient. All the campaign promises he breaks he just says they were made in jest. What about the woman you raped and all the crimes you were found guilty of? Was all the made in jest to.

What a despicable lying scumbag convict.

[spidermike007]

A trio of polls out Sunday show that a majority of Americans disapprove of Trump’s handling of the presidency. His approval rating — which hovers between 39% and 45% in the three surveys— is the lowest for any newly elected president at the 100-day mark in more than seven decades, per CNN.

 

Trump's approval ratings are negative as he nears 100 days in office. 

 

https://www.cnbc.com/2025/04/27/trump-approval-rating-economy-immigration-polls.html?__source=androidappshare

[candide]

Core Trumpers may remain faithful,  but the others are starting to see Trump as he really is!

https://www.realclearpolling.com/polls/approval/donald-trump/approval-rating