Trump’s 100-day report card is already showing major effects across daily American life. From rising grocery bills to a volatile housing market, the impact is real—and it’s hitting Americans’ wallets, homes, and communities. Here’s how Trump’s early decisions are shaping key issues and what they mean for everyday people.
Inflation and Consumer Prices: Grade C
Inflation, while slowing compared to the early 2020s, remains stubbornly high in critical sectors. Consumer prices rose 2.8% since January, meaning essentials like gas, clothes, and basic household goods are still more expensive than many hoped.
What This Means for You:
Everyday Americans are still feeling squeezed at the checkout line. Although inflation isn’t spiraling like it did during previous years, relief has been slower than promised.
Mortgage Rates and Housing Market: Grade D
Mortgage rates, pushed by uncertainty around Trump’s aggressive trade policies and battles with the Federal Reserve, have remained elevated, hovering around 7%. Housing prices have cooled slightly in some regions, but affordability remains a major crisis.
What This Means for You:
Buying a first home—or even refinancing—is tough. Monthly payments are much higher, and new buyers are finding themselves priced out of many markets.
Food and Utilities Costs: Grade D+
The cost of groceries and utility bills has stayed painfully high, especially after Trump’s new tariffs against key trade partners led to retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods, driving up prices. Electricity and heating costs also jumped 6% on average since January.
What This Means for You:
Budgeting for everyday life is harder. From higher grocery bills to more expensive energy costs, families are stretching dollars just to keep up.
The Overall Economy: Grade C
Despite Trump touting “America First” policies, the economy remains fragile. Wall Street is volatile, job growth has slowed, and confidence among small businesses is dipping. Economists now place the chance of a recession in the next year at 50%.
What This Means for You:
There’s a real sense of uncertainty. While unemployment remains low for now, fears of layoffs and a contracting economy are growing.
Immigration Policies: Grade F
Trump’s hardline immigration stance has led to mass deportations, legal challenges, and international criticism. New policies aimed at detaining and deporting undocumented immigrants have overwhelmed border states and humanitarian groups, causing chaos without providing clear solutions.
What This Means for You:
Communities are becoming more divided. Industries like agriculture, construction, and service—which heavily rely on immigrant workers—are already feeling labor shortages, which could drive up consumer prices even more.
Final Verdict: How Is Trump Doing After 100 Days?
After 100 days, President Trump’s second term is off to a rocky start for many Americans. While some voters appreciate his aggressive stance on trade and immigration, the day-to-day impact—higher costs, housing challenges, economic uncertainty, and rising tensions—suggests that everyday families are shouldering the heaviest burdens.
Overall Grade: D+
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