100 Days of Tariffs: How Trump’s Economic Agenda Threatens the U.S. Economy.

By Evans Moodu, updated 17:33

In just 100 days, President Trump’s aggressive tariff policies have triggered global trade tensions, market losses, and rising consumer costs—putting the U.S. economy on uncertain footing.

In just 100 days, President Donald Trump’s economic agenda—anchored by sweeping tariffs—has isolated the United States in a global trade war, triggered financial market instability, and left American consumers and businesses reeling from rising costs and policy uncertainty.

While presidents typically have limited influence over short-term economic trends, Trump's approach has proven that one leader can inflict serious economic damage when policy decisions are made with little regard for long-term consequences.

Trump’s tariff-heavy strategy—his signature economic move in his second term—has effectively raised taxes on American consumers by significantly increasing the cost of imports. The 145% tariff on Chinese goods, coupled with new duties on products from allies and adversaries alike, has alienated global trade partners and ignited a trade war in which the U.S. is the sole aggressor.

The aggressive trade stance has spooked global investors. The so-called "sell America" trade, which involves pulling capital out of U.S. markets due to concerns over economic and political instability, has gained traction—erasing trillions in market value over the past month alone.

Although some key indicators remain stable—unemployment is low and inflation has cooled to 2.5%—those trends were already in motion before Trump returned to office. The long-term risks are growing clearer, with recession odds now pegged at 57%, according to prediction market Kalshi.

Despite campaign promises to cut prices “starting on Day One,” Trump has not delivered meaningful relief for the cost of living. A sweeping executive order directed federal agencies to explore emergency price-cutting measures, but tangible outcomes have been minimal.

According to a new CNN/SSRS poll:

• 59% of Americans believe Trump’s policies have made the economy worse (up from 51% in March).

• 60% say the cost of living has increased under Trump’s leadership.

• Only 12% say prices have gone down.

Consumer sentiment is now at its fourth-lowest level since 1952, according to the University of Michigan, and inflation expectations are the highest since 1981—a worrying sign for future spending and growth.

“People don’t just react to data—they react to how they feel about the economy,” said one economist. “Right now, they feel worse.”

The 145% tariffs have also started to disrupt global supply chains. Flexport CEO Ryan Petersen reports that container shipments from China to the U.S. are down more than 60% in the past three weeks, as companies scramble to adjust to the new costs.

Airlines are reducing flights, consumers are cancelling vacations, and companies are cutting or suspending earnings guidance due to trade policy uncertainty.

In his April 2 "Liberation Day" speech, Trump promised to rebuild American manufacturing and claimed, “This will be an entirely different country in a short period of time.” On that point, many would agree—just not in the way he likely intended.
Source: CNN