Celebrating his first 100 days back in the White House, Donald Trump defended his escalating trade war, a policy that is increasingly burdening American households. Despite his campaign promises to lower living costs, many are questioning whether “America First” truly means higher prices for Americans.

In August 2024, Trump vowed to reduce prices from “day one” of his presidency by boosting U.S. oil production and cutting trade reliance. However, since returning to office, he has imposed significant tariffs, including a 10% levy on goods from most countries, effective July 9. This follows a 25% tariff on imports like cars and steel, with China and Canada facing the brunt of these measures.

In an interview, Trump dismissed concerns about rising prices, asserting that tariffs were necessary retaliation against countries he accused of “ripping us off.” He claimed that the U.S. economy was thriving and that Americans wouldn’t feel the impact of these tariffs, despite analysts predicting that households could face an additional $4,000 to $8,000 in annual costs.

While Trump maintains a sense of economic victory, polls indicate a different reality. His approval ratings are the lowest for any U.S. president in the past 80 years, with many Americans expressing discontent over rising costs and global tensions. As the effects of his trade policies unfold, the true impact on household budgets remains uncertain.