President Donald Trump returned to the campaign trail-style spotlight on April 29 with a defiant rally in Warren, Michigan, defending his controversial first 100 days in office. Despite sliding approval ratings and growing economic concerns, Trump painted his administration’s aggressive agenda as a historic success.
“We’ve accomplished more in three months than most administrations in four or eight years,” Trump told a crowd of supporters waving “MAGA” and “USA” signs.
Here are four key takeaways from the event:
1. Trump Digs in on Tariffs: “We Give Them Time Before We Slaughter Them”
Facing backlash over economic instability, Trump doubled down on his tariff strategy. Financial markets have reacted negatively to his trade policies, with key stock indexes falling and economists warning of a heightened risk of recession.
Still, Trump claimed his tariffs would revitalize American manufacturing, especially in Michigan’s auto industry. He eased auto-related levies ahead of the rally but warned companies to comply quickly.
“We give them a little time before we slaughter them if they don’t do this,” he said, drawing cheers from the crowd.
2. DOGE Overhaul Sparks Backlash: “Not Under the Thumb of Elon”
Trump also defended the sweeping government restructuring under DOGE—the Department of Government Efficiency—led by Elon Musk. The agency has fired tens of thousands of federal employees and dismantled several departments, including the U.S. Agency for International Development.
Critics, including many Democrats, have called the changes chaotic and accused Musk of wielding excessive influence. Trump dismissed the criticism.
“You know they all say, oh, well Trump is under the thumb of Elon,” he joked, before praising Musk’s leadership: “On day one I created that very successful Department of Government Efficiency headed by Elon. That was a big thing doing that.”
3. Immigration Crackdown Escalates: Alien Enemies Act Invoked
Immigration remains a core focus of Trump’s agenda. At the rally, he highlighted his administration’s use of the centuries-old Alien Enemies Act to swiftly deport alleged gang members from MS-13 and Tren de Aragua—both now labeled as terrorist organizations.
“These criminals have been designated the highest level of terrorists,” Trump declared. “That lets us do a lot of things you wouldn’t be able to do otherwise.”
Despite temporary court blocks on some deportations, Trump touted a dramatic drop in illegal border crossings—down 95% in March compared to the same time last year.
4. Teasing a Third Term: “Trump 2028 Anybody?”
Though constitutionally barred from seeking a third term, Trump floated the idea anyway. During the rally, aide Margo Martin joined him on stage and quipped, “Trump 2028 anybody?”
Trump appeared to enjoy the suggestion, saying, “A lot of people want me to do it. But, I mean, we have a long way to go—it’s still early in the administration.”
He closed the rally by returning to familiar jabs at President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, declaring, “I miss the campaign,” and promising that the next chapter of his presidency is only beginning.
