“They Did Sign Up For It”: Trump Defends Controversial Policies as He Marks 100 Days in Office

In a wide-ranging and at times combative interview marking his first 100 days back in the White House, President Donald Trump offered a stark message to voters expressing buyer’s remorse over his administration’s economic policies: “They did sign up for it, actually.” This blunt assessment came as the 47th President faces historically low approval ratings and growing concerns about the impact of his aggressive trade policies on American consumers.

A Milestone Interview

President Trump commemorated his 100th day in office on April 29, sitting down with ABC News veteran correspondent Terry Moran for what was billed as a comprehensive review of his administration’s early accomplishments. The interview, conducted in the Oval Office against the backdrop of presidential portraits and the iconic Resolute Desk, covered a broad spectrum of topics from immigration to inflation, foreign policy to fuel prices.

The setting—a symbol of presidential power that Trump reclaimed after his historic comeback victory—provided a stark contrast to the political wilderness he inhabited following his 2020 defeat. Now back at the helm of American government, Trump appeared eager to project confidence and defend his administration’s direction despite growing public skepticism.

Throughout the interview, Trump maintained his characteristic assertiveness, frequently interrupting Moran to challenge premises or reframe questions. Body language experts noted that the President leaned forward during discussions of the economy and border security—issues he considers his strongest—while adopting a more defensive posture when confronted with polling data suggesting public dissatisfaction.

The Economy: Campaign Promises vs. Public Concern

The most pointed exchange came when Moran raised concerns about Trump’s escalating trade war with China, which has seen the administration implement substantial tariffs on Chinese imports. Economic analysts have projected these measures could cost American households thousands of additional dollars annually as import prices rise and supply chains face disruption.

“There is a lot of concern out there,” Moran observed. “People are worried, even some people who voted for you, sayin’, ‘I didn’t sign up for this.’ So how do you answer those concerns?”

Trump’s eight-word retort—”Well, they did sign up for it, actually”—has quickly become a flashpoint in political discourse, with supporters praising his directness and critics characterizing the response as dismissive of legitimate economic anxieties.

The President elaborated on his position, arguing that economic nationalism formed the cornerstone of his 2024 campaign platform. “That’s what I campaigned on,” Trump insisted, his voice rising for emphasis. “We’ve been abused by other countries at levels that nobody’s ever seen before, and it’s not sustainable.”

This exchange highlights a fundamental tension in Trump’s second term: balancing his nationalist economic agenda with the immediate economic concerns of middle-class voters who supported his return to office. While many Trump voters embraced his promises to prioritize American manufacturing and challenge Chinese trade practices, the short-term pain of these policies appears to be testing their patience.

The President’s Economic Case

Despite growing criticism, Trump presented a vigorous defense of his economic policies, pointing to several metrics he believes demonstrate early success. Most prominently, he highlighted decreasing energy costs, particularly gasoline prices.

“Energy is down,” Trump declared with evident satisfaction. “Gasoline hit $1.98 in a few states during the last couple of days. It was $3.50 and $4.00 and $4.50. But gasoline is way down.”

The President also referenced the price of eggs—a staple product whose cost became a political liability for the previous administration during a period of high inflation. “When I took over, you remember the big thing with eggs?… Well, eggs are down 87% since I got involved,” Trump claimed, though fact-checkers have noted this figure significantly overstates the actual price decrease.

Throughout these economic discussions, Trump repeatedly employed a rhetorical technique of contrasting current conditions with what he characterized as the failures of his predecessor’s policies. This before-and-after framing serves to reinforce his narrative of rescuing an economy in distress, even as economists debate whether recent positive trends began before his return to office.

When pressed on the potential long-term consequences of his trade policies, Trump projected unwavering confidence: “It’s all heading in the right direction,” he assured viewers. “Everyone’s gonna be just fine.”

China Trade War: Strategy or Self-Inflicted Wound?

The centerpiece of Trump’s economic agenda—and the focus of growing public concern—is his administration’s increasingly confrontational stance toward China. The President has significantly expanded tariffs on Chinese imports, moving beyond the targeted measures of his first term to implement broader restrictions affecting consumer goods, electronics, and manufacturing components.

Administration officials have framed these measures as necessary to address what they describe as decades of unfair trade practices, intellectual property theft, and currency manipulation by Beijing. Treasury Secretary J.D. Vance, appearing on Sunday morning talk shows, characterized the tariffs as “painful but necessary medicine” to rebalance the U.S.-China economic relationship.

“We’re engaged in economic competition with a regime that doesn’t play by the rules,” Vance told Fox News’ Shannon Bream. “The President is using every tool at his disposal to level the playing field, even if that means short-term disruptions to supply chains and consumer prices.”

Economic analysts, however, have expressed grave concerns about the strategy’s impact on American consumers and businesses. Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody’s Analytics, projects that the average American household could face additional costs of $2,000 to $3,000 annually if the full range of proposed tariffs is implemented.

“Tariffs are effectively a tax paid by American importers and ultimately passed on to American consumers,” Zandi explained in a recent analysis. “While they may pressure China economically, the immediate financial burden falls squarely on American households and businesses that rely on imported goods.”

The manufacturing sector—a key part of Trump’s political base—has reported mixed reactions to the tariff strategy. While some domestic manufacturers have welcomed protection from Chinese competition, others dependent on Chinese components have raised alarms about rising input costs and supply chain disruptions.

In Michigan’s critical automotive manufacturing region, companies have reported that tariffs on specialized steel and electronic components have increased production costs by as much as 15% for some vehicle models. Similar concerns have emerged from technology firms in Texas and furniture manufacturers in North Carolina, suggesting the economic impact of Trump’s trade policies may be felt most acutely in states that were crucial to his electoral victory.

Immigration and Border Security: Claims of Success

Beyond economic policies, Trump devoted significant attention to immigration and border security—issues that formed the emotional core of his campaign rhetoric. The President claimed dramatic success in reducing illegal border crossings, pointing to enhanced enforcement measures and diplomatic agreements with Mexico and Central American nations.

“We inherited a complete catastrophe at the border,” Trump asserted, gesturing emphatically. “It was an invasion like nobody’s ever seen before. Now we’ve got it under control, and the numbers are way, way down.”

Border Patrol data partially supports Trump’s claims of reduced crossings, with official statistics showing a decline of approximately 42% in apprehensions compared to the same period last year. Critics note, however, that this reduction began before Trump took office, following policy changes implemented in the final months of the previous administration.

The President specifically highlighted his revival of the “Remain in Mexico” policy, which requires asylum seekers to wait outside U.S. territory while their claims are processed. Human rights organizations have criticized the policy for creating dangerous conditions for vulnerable migrants, but Trump defended it as essential to deterring fraudulent asylum claims.

“When people know they can’t just walk in and disappear into the country, they stop coming,” Trump said. “It’s very simple, and it’s working beautifully.”

Left unaddressed in the interview were recent reports of deteriorating conditions in detention facilities along the southern border, where overcrowding has resulted from the administration’s aggressive enforcement policies. Immigration advocates have documented concerning situations at several facilities, including limited access to legal counsel and medical care.

Foreign Policy Challenges and Achievements

The interview also touched on several foreign policy challenges facing the administration, including ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, tensions with Iran, and the broader realignment of American global engagement.

Trump expressed particular pride in what he described as improved relations with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, revealing that they have exchanged “beautiful letters” since his return to office. Critics have noted, however, that North Korea has conducted three missile tests during Trump’s first 100 days, suggesting that personal diplomacy has yet to yield concrete security benefits.

On Ukraine, the President reiterated his conviction that he could end the conflict “within 24 hours” if given the opportunity to directly negotiate with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. When Moran pressed for details of this proposed peace plan, Trump declined to elaborate, saying, “I don’t want to show my cards, but I know exactly what I would do, and it would work.”

This reluctance to provide specifics has fueled speculation about potential concessions to Russia at Ukraine’s expense, concerns that administration officials have repeatedly attempted to dispel. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who returned to this role in Trump’s second term, has insisted that any peace agreement would “respect Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

The Middle East has presented perhaps the most immediate foreign policy challenge, with the administration navigating complex dynamics between Israel, Hamas, Iran, and other regional actors. Trump expressed unwavering support for Israeli security while claiming significant behind-the-scenes progress toward broader regional peace.

“We’re doing things nobody knows about yet,” Trump said cryptically. “But when they happen, everyone will say, ‘Wow, that’s incredible.’”

Historic Low Approval Ratings

Despite the President’s confident assessment of his first 100 days, public opinion polling suggests a significant disconnect between Trump’s perception of his performance and how average Americans view his administration.

A joint ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll released just before the interview revealed that Trump has the lowest 100-day job approval rating of any president in the past 80 years. According to the poll, 55 percent of Americans disapprove of how Trump is handling his job as president, while just 41 percent approve.

Similarly, a New York Times and Siena College poll showed an approval rating of only 42 percent, with 66 percent of respondents describing his second term so far as “chaotic.” Particularly concerning for the administration is that disapproval extends beyond traditional Democratic constituencies, with erosion of support among independent voters and even some Republicans.

When Moran raised these polling numbers, Trump dismissed them as “fake polls” conducted by “dishonest media organizations.” He pointed instead to the enthusiasm at his rallies and what he described as “tremendous support from the people who matter.”

Political analysts note that Trump’s dismissal of negative polling data follows a pattern established during his first term, when he consistently questioned the validity of surveys showing public disapproval. What differs now, according to presidential historian Douglas Brinkley, is the historically low starting point for a president who just won an election.

“Most presidents enjoy a honeymoon period in their first 100 days, with approval ratings benefiting from post-election goodwill,” Brinkley explained. “Trump’s numbers suggest he never had that honeymoon, entering office with pre-existing polarization that has only intensified since January.”

The Cabinet and Administration

Trump’s cabinet and senior administration appointments have reflected his commitment to surrounding himself with loyalists and individuals who share his “America First” ideology. The President has tapped numerous officials who served in his first administration, along with new allies who emerged during his time out of office.

Several key appointments have generated controversy, including the selection of Fox News host Tucker Carlson as Secretary of State, which was widely reported before Pompeo ultimately received the nomination. While Carlson did not join the cabinet, he has maintained a close advisory relationship with the President, particularly on immigration and foreign policy matters.

The administration has faced challenges in filling certain positions, with several nominees withdrawing from consideration following intensive scrutiny of their backgrounds or previous statements. As of the 100-day mark, nearly 30% of Senate-confirmable positions remain vacant or filled by acting officials, raising concerns about governance capacity.

Critics have pointed to the high turnover rate among senior staff as evidence of administrative chaos. Four senior White House aides have already departed, including Trump’s first Communications Director, who resigned after just 47 days citing “personal differences” with Chief of Staff Susie Wiles.

Trump dismissed concerns about staffing issues, telling Moran: “I only want the best people, and sometimes you have to try a few before you find the right one. It’s like The Apprentice—if they don’t perform, they’re fired.”

COVID-19 and Public Health

The administration’s approach to public health, particularly regarding COVID-19 and potential future pandemics, has marked a significant departure from previous policy. Trump has dismantled much of the federal pandemic response infrastructure, fulfilling campaign promises to opponents of public health restrictions.

In the interview, Trump defended these decisions, arguing that pandemic responses should be left to individual states rather than federal authorities. “We’re not going to have any more lockdowns or mandates,” he declared. “Americans know how to make their own health decisions without the government telling them what to do.”

This position has alarmed public health experts, who warn that dismantling preparedness systems could leave the nation vulnerable to future disease outbreaks. Dr. Anthony Fauci, who has remained largely silent since Trump’s return to office, recently told a medical conference that he had “grave concerns” about pandemic preparedness under the current approach.

The administration has also moved to roll back vaccine requirements for military personnel and federal contractors, fulfilling another campaign pledge to vaccine skeptics who formed part of Trump’s political coalition. When questioned about potential impacts on military readiness, Trump insisted that “natural immunity” provides better protection than vaccines, a claim contradicted by most immunological research.

Climate Policy Reversal

Environmental policy has seen perhaps the most comprehensive reversal from the previous administration, with Trump withdrawing the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement for a second time and rolling back numerous regulations on carbon emissions, vehicle efficiency standards, and fossil fuel extraction.

The President has directed the Environmental Protection Agency to rescind or weaken over 100 environmental rules, describing these actions as necessary to achieve “energy dominance” and reduce costs for consumers and businesses. These moves have drawn sharp criticism from environmental organizations and concern from international allies committed to climate goals.

When Moran raised scientific concerns about climate change impacts, Trump pivoted to discussing current weather conditions: “It’s been very cold in many places. We just had the coldest April in years in some states. So I’m not convinced about all this warming they talk about.”

This response reflects the administration’s broader skepticism toward climate science and prioritization of short-term economic considerations over long-term environmental concerns. Environmental advocates worry that these policy reversals could accelerate climate impacts and surrender American leadership in green technology to competitors like China.

Judicial Appointments and Legal Battles

The administration has moved quickly to nominate federal judges, seeking to build on the significant judiciary reshaping accomplished during Trump’s first term. With the Senate under Republican control, the confirmation process has proceeded rapidly, with 17 federal judges confirmed within the first 100 days—a pace that exceeds Trump’s first term.

The President expressed particular satisfaction with this aspect of his early tenure, telling Moran: “We’re putting incredible judges on the bench, constitutional conservatives who will interpret the law as written, not make it up as they go along.”

These judicial appointments have occurred against a backdrop of ongoing legal challenges to various administration policies. Courts have already issued preliminary injunctions against several executive orders, including portions of the expanded immigration restrictions and certain environmental regulation rollbacks.

The administration has responded aggressively to these legal setbacks, with Attorney General Pam Bondi publicly criticizing “activist judges” and vowing to appeal adverse rulings to the Supreme Court, where the conservative majority established during Trump’s first term provides a potentially sympathetic venue.

Media Relations and Communication Strategy

Trump’s relationship with the press has remained combative, continuing patterns established during his first term. The President has labeled unfavorable coverage as “fake news” and frequently attacks journalists by name on his Truth Social platform and during rallies.

The administration has significantly reduced the frequency of formal press briefings, with Press Secretary Alex Jones holding just seven briefings during the first 100 days—a sharp contrast to historical norms. Instead, the White House has prioritized direct communication through social media and friendly outlets, with Trump granting exclusive interviews to supportive media personalities.

This approach has raised concerns about transparency and accountability, with the White House Correspondents’ Association issuing a formal statement expressing “grave concern about the administration’s systematic avoidance of press scrutiny.”

When Moran raised these concerns, Trump defended his communication strategy: “I reach the American people directly. I don’t need the fake news media filtering my message or twisting my words.”

Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities

As Trump moves beyond the symbolic 100-day milestone, his administration faces numerous challenges and opportunities that will shape public perception of his second term.

Economically, much will depend on whether his confrontational trade policies with China ultimately deliver the promised benefits to American workers and businesses or simply result in higher consumer prices and retaliatory measures. The Federal Reserve’s ongoing efforts to manage inflation while avoiding recession will significantly impact how voters experience the economy regardless of White House policies.

Politically, the administration must navigate growing dissatisfaction among moderate voters while maintaining enthusiasm within Trump’s base. With congressional midterm elections less than two years away, Republican strategists warn that continued low approval ratings could endanger the party’s narrow majorities in Congress.

Internationally, the administration faces complex diplomatic challenges that resist simple solutions, from Russia’s continued aggression in Ukraine to China’s growing influence in Asia and beyond. Trump’s preference for personalized, leader-to-leader diplomacy will be tested against intractable geopolitical realities.

The President concluded the interview with characteristic bravado, dismissing concerns about his approach or approval ratings: “I’ve always done things my way, and it’s always worked out. The American people elected me to shake things up, and that’s exactly what I’m doing. By the time my four years are up, everyone will say it was the greatest presidency ever.”

Whether this confident prediction materializes depends largely on whether Trump can translate his confrontational governance style into tangible benefits for the American middle class—the voters who returned him to power despite personal misgivings, and who now find themselves told they “signed up for” the consequences of his policies, whether they realized it or not.

The Historical Context of the 100-Day Milestone

The tradition of evaluating presidents at the 100-day mark dates back to Franklin D. Roosevelt, whose whirlwind of activity during the opening months of his presidency established a benchmark against which subsequent administrations have been measured. Historians note, however, that this arbitrary timeframe often proves an imperfect predictor of a presidency’s ultimate legacy.

“The first 100 days can reveal a president’s priorities and governing style, but many historically consequential presidencies have started slowly or faced early setbacks,” noted presidential historian Doris Kearns Goodwin. “What matters most is how presidents learn and adapt as they confront the inevitable challenges that no campaign or transition can fully prepare them for.”

For Trump, whose unconventional path back to the White House followed a defeat and four years out of power, the first 100 days have revealed both continuity with his first term’s priorities and an intensified determination to implement his nationalist vision without compromise or moderation.

As he begins his second hundred days in office, the question remains whether Trump will adjust his approach in response to historically low approval ratings or double down on the confrontational style and policies that have defined his return to power—and whether the American public, having “signed up for it” at the ballot box, will ultimately embrace or reject the results.