"Trump vowed to boost the economy from Day 1. Americans are still waiting for results."
Nearing Trump's 100th day in office, economy isn't getting better for most, with tariffs, stock market convulsions and high grocery bills.
From the lower rungs of the economic ladder, certified nursing assistant Traci Dixon can only look up at the White House — now occupied by billionaire President Donald Trump.
For over two decades, the Independence, Missouri, resident has juggled bills, fed her family, and made sure the kids got to school. She’s watched both Democratic and Republican presidents come and go, weathered the swings of the economy, and built a life with her wife as they raised kids and grandkids.
But despite Trump’s promises of a swift economic revival, Dixon says life has never felt harder.
“I really thought this year was going to bring dramatic, positive change,” said Dixon, 37, who was working a long shift on Election Day and didn’t cast a ballot. “But it’s already so dark — and it’s only April.”
Nearly 100 days into Trump’s second term, Americans are grappling with widespread federal job cuts, a volatile stock market, and a climate of uncertainty fueled by the president’s inconsistent tariff policies.
Top economists warn a recession may be looming. Millions are still burdened by high prices at the pump and the grocery store while credit card and car loan debts continue to climb.
Business leaders are desperate for stability. Farmers have seen federal food contracts dry up. Nonprofits are laying off staff amid sweeping budget cuts.
Trump’s tariffs, especially, have injected anxiety into the economy, with companies already passing on higher costs to consumers. Analysts at JPMorgan say buyers are rushing to snag big-ticket items before prices rise further.
Promises Made, Uneven Progress
On the campaign trail, Trump pledged an economic overhaul — and in some areas, he's delivered.
Major corporations like Apple, Johnson & Johnson, and Abbott Labs have announced massive new investments in U.S. factories, spurred by Trump's tariff threats.
Yet the stock market, under Trump, has stumbled — down about 9% since he took office, eroding billions from retirement accounts across the political spectrum.
Still, many of Trump’s loyalists remain steadfast.
James McMorrow, 22, from Cape Cod, Massachusetts, appreciates that gas prices have dipped — filling his vintage BMW now costs $60 instead of $90. Before the election, he juggled construction work and restaurant shifts. Now, thanks to a higher-paying construction job, he’s left the restaurant grind behind.
“I wouldn’t say everything’s perfect, but overall, things feel better," McMorrow said. "If Harris had won, nothing would’ve changed."
He’s troubled, though, by the deportations of Brazilian immigrants who have long been vital to the Cape’s economy. “There are a lot of good people getting deported,” he said. “It’s sad, but I still think it’s worth it.”
Reality Check on Inflation
Trump vowed to end inflation on Day 1, slash energy costs within 18 months, and immediately lower food prices.
“When I win, I will immediately bring prices down," Trump promised.
Many voters believed he could. In interviews last year, USA TODAY found that Trump supporters overwhelmingly trusted his economic promises.
But for Dixon, relief hasn’t arrived.
Her family rents a double-wide trailer 15 miles from work. Some days, gas prices are so high she calls in sick because it isn’t worth the cost of commuting in her 2013 Nissan Pathfinder.
"Life today is just hard," she said. "Twenty years ago it was tough, but it was easier than now."
Inflation has eased slightly — prices dipped 0.1% in March thanks largely to falling gas prices — but groceries and essentials remain costly.
Trump pledged $2 gas prices; the national average in April was $3.22, according to AAA — down from last year’s highs but well above his promise.
Confidence Eroding
A Pew Research Center survey shows Trump’s economic approval is sinking.
In November, 59% of Americans were confident in Trump’s economic leadership. Today, 54% express little or no confidence.
While Democrats Biden and Harris highlighted their pandemic recovery efforts, Trump tapped into public frustration with surging prices, promising rapid fixes.
Instead, economists say Trump may be learning a hard truth: fixing prices is tough, but rattling markets is easy.
Since Trump's announcement of new tariffs — his so-called “Liberation Day” — stocks have plunged. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has warned Trump's policies risk higher inflation and unemployment.
Trump remains defiant. “BE COOL! Everything is going to work out well," he posted in early April.
'The Medicine Hurts'
Republican leaders insist Trump’s approach — low taxes, limited government — will eventually unleash prosperity, even if it means short-term pain.
They argue it will take more than 100 days to undo decades of offshoring and industrial decline.
Trump promises to slash taxes on tips, overtime, and Social Security while extending tax breaks that largely favor the wealthy.
He claims tariffs will ultimately create enough wealth to lower taxes further.
But the Yale Budget Lab estimates the average household will pay $3,800 more this year due to higher costs driven by Trump’s tariffs — especially for food and clothing.
Meanwhile, household debt has ballooned past $18 trillion, and Americans are increasingly relying on credit cards and "buy now, pay later" programs. Credit delinquencies are at their highest in more than a decade.
Struggling at the Bottom
Traci Dixon is among those feeling the squeeze.
Despite working full-time alongside her wife, the family’s move into a larger trailer last year cost them $750 more per month. They count on school meals to help feed their kids.
"Even though the cost of living keeps going up, my paycheck isn't," Dixon said. "I’m working harder than ever, but raises are rare."
Requests for help through the national 211 helpline — a barometer of economic hardship — have surged, especially for housing, food, and utilities.
Angela Williams, CEO of United Way, said the calls reflect the deep emotional and financial toll. "People are too proud to ask for help," she said.
A Dark Outlook
Aaron Washington, 50, of Chicago, knows the struggle firsthand.
After losing his family’s home, he lived in his car, battled addiction, and narrowly survived a suicide attempt before finding help.
Today, Washington is sober and in transitional housing but remains deeply pessimistic about the future.
"To me, the economy feels like walking down a dark alley with all the little money you have, hoping you don't get mugged," he said. "If you’re at the bottom, it’s harder than ever to fight your way up. I can't see making it to middle class in 10 years."
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