As President Donald Trump marks the first 100 days of his second term, he is facing mounting criticism and political pressure over disappointing economic data. According to a Reuters report, the U.S. economy shrank in the last quarter, marking the first contraction in three years. This has cast a shadow over Trump’s early performance and economic promises.

Key Points:

• Economic Contraction: The U.S. GDP declined due to weaker consumer spending and a significant drop in business investment. Economists cite the effects of Trump’s aggressive tariff policies and trade disruptions as key contributors.
• Trump’s Response: Trump has deflected blame, urging the public to “be patient” and claiming the economy will rebound later in the year. He has attributed the downturn to global factors and “deliberate short-term pain” necessary for long-term gain.
• Public Reaction: Approval of Trump’s economic leadership has slipped to 36%, with 72% of respondents in one poll fearing that his policies could lead to a recession.
• Political Implications: The weak economic data undermines a central pillar of Trump’s agenda—economic growth—and complicates his efforts to rally broader public and congressional support.