Trump Marks⁤ 100 Days With ⁤Rally, Faces Protests ⁢and Low approval Ratings

WARREN, Mich. — Former President Donald Trump held a rally in Warren, Michigan, on April 29, 2025, to mark his first 100 days back in ⁤office.⁢ The rally at the Macomb Community college Sports & Expo Center, which ‍has a capacity of 5,000, appeared⁢ to be less than half⁤ full.

Protests Outnumber Supporters

Outside the venue, protesters ⁢outnumbered supporters, demonstrating against Trump’s policies on immigration, education, and⁢ civil rights. Manny carried signs ⁤criticizing what they called ⁢Trump’s disregard for⁣ the Constitution.

Approval Ratings Remain Low

Trump’s approval ratings remain low, according to recent polls. An ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos⁣ poll published this week put his approval rating at 39%, the lowest for a⁢ president at⁣ this point in their term in 80 years. Another NPR/PBS Newshour/Marist survey indicated that 42% approve of Trump’s performance, while 53% disapprove. Nearly half of those surveyed gave ⁤him a failing ‍grade, ‍and 57% of autonomous voters disapprove‍ of his stance on immigration.

Rally ‍Focuses ⁢on Familiar Themes

During the 90-minute rally, Trump, ⁤78, repeated many of the same claims he has made for years. He falsely‍ stated that he had won Michigan three times and declared that he was in Michigan to celebrate the “first⁣ 100 most prosperous days of any administration in the history‍ of our country.”

Immigration Rhetoric

Trump defended his administration’s immigration policies, including the invocation of the Alien ⁤Enemies Act. He has often described immigrants in⁤ harsh terms, and at⁣ the‍ rally, he accused the previous administration⁤ of allowing “gangs, cartels and terrorists” ‍to cross the border.

He ⁤also claimed to have ended social assistance to immigrants in the country illegally and signed a decree ending birthright citizenship, guaranteed by the 14th Amendment. He stated:

I have prohibited any social assistance to illegal⁢ immigrants and I signed a decree that will⁢ end the automatic granting of⁢ citizenship ⁤to⁢ children of foreigners in an irregular situation. ⁢No citizenship.

“Lake Riley⁣ Law”

Trump highlighted the “Lake Riley law” as one of his achievements. This law, which allows immigration officials to detain and potentially deport ‍immigrants accused of offenses, received bipartisan support⁢ in Congress.

Defense of Actions in⁢ El Salvador

Trump defended the ⁤detention of individuals in El Salvador, claiming that “the worst ‍of the worst are sent to a state of mind in Salvador.” He showed a video⁤ of men being shaved and chained before being imprisoned.

Miller Defends Trump’s ‍Policies

Stephen Miller, ⁤Trump’s deputy chief of staff, defended ⁣the administration’s policies, saying Trump ⁣was fighting “against drugs… reduces your taxes… reduces unnecessary expenses…‍ He⁢ dries up the marsh. He opposes the radical left. he opposes the Communists.”

UAW Support and Economic Nationalism

Trump chose to hold ⁤the rally in Warren, a Detroit suburb, due to ⁢support from the United‍ Auto Workers (UAW) union, led‍ by Shawn Fain. The union has supported Trump’s economic nationalism,which aims to⁣ protect American jobs but has ⁣been criticized for pitting workers⁣ against each other.

Whitmer’s ⁣Appearance

michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a democrat, greeted Trump upon his arrival in michigan. This⁤ occurred less⁣ than five years after a plot to kidnap ⁤and kill⁢ her was hatched by individuals⁢ aligned with Trump. Whitmer shook hands⁣ with Trump at Selfridge Air Base, ⁢where they celebrated a new mission for the base’s F-15 fighter jets.

Whitmer, dressed in military⁤ fatigues, said:

I am really happy that we are ⁣here to celebrate this recapitalization in Selfridge. It is indeed crucial for the economy of Michigan, it ⁣is crucial for⁤ men and women here, for our⁢ internal⁤ security and‍ for our future, ⁢thus, thank you, I am so, so, grateful, that this announcement was made today. And I appreciate all the work, thank you.

Democratic ⁢Support for Trump

Whitmer’s actions reflect a broader trend⁤ of some Democrats supporting Trump’s ⁣policies, particularly those related to trade and military spending. Some see this as a bipartisan effort to prepare for potential conflicts.

Opposition to Trump

Despite support from some ⁣Democrats, thousands protested against Trump⁢ and what they⁢ see as an oligarchy. These protests⁢ are part of⁤ a larger movement opposing Trump ⁤and his policies.

The Associated Press ⁢contributed to this report.