April 29, 2025
President Donald Trump commemorated the 100th day of his second term with a rally in Macomb County, Michigan, a state central to his political journey. The event, held at Macomb Community College, highlighted his administration’s focus on immigration enforcement and trade policies, particularly tariffs affecting the auto industry.
Michigan, especially Macomb County, has been pivotal in Trump’s electoral history. After a narrow victory in 2016 and a loss in 2020, he regained the state in 2024 by over 80,000 votes, largely due to support from working-class voters.
During the rally, Trump emphasized his administration’s crackdown on illegal immigration, citing over 139,000 deportations and plans for the largest deportation campaign in U.S. history.
Trade policies were also a focal point. Trump announced an executive order adjusting auto tariffs to support domestic manufacturers, aiming to alleviate economic strain in Michigan’s auto sector. The state’s unemployment rate has risen to 5.5%, with the auto industry facing layoffs due to a 25% tariff on imported vehicles.
Despite these measures, public opinion remains divided. A recent Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll indicates that nearly two-thirds of Americans disapprove of Trump’s handling of tariffs.
The rally also underscored Trump’s continued influence in Michigan, a state he has visited frequently for campaign events. His return to Macomb County reflects an ongoing effort to solidify support among working-class voters amid national debates over his administration’s policies.
Source: Al Jazeera
