While Donald Trump pushes handouts for the ultra-wealthy, working families are struggling with rising costs with no end in sight — and experts are warning that the economy is on the brink of a recession. Trump oversaw the worst first 100 days for the stock market since the 1970s as manufacturing plunges, farmers sound the alarm on a “full-blown crisis,” and economists warn of looming unemployment and empty store shelves. In his first 100 days, Trump has made America less competitive and more expensive — and the American people are paying the price. 

Here’s a look at how Trump’s reckless economic agenda is hurting Americans: 

CNN: “Trump took the US economy to the brink of a crisis in just 100 days” 

“Donald Trump spent his first 100 days back in the Oval Office driving an economy that the world envied to the brink of crisis, risking America’s reputation as a financial safe haven and fostering fear among voters who’ve lost confidence in his leadership. …

“But the president deliberately and singlehandedly adopted policies that are almost certain to spike prices even more; that could lead to shortages; and that have CEOs and small businesses dealing with chaos and the possibility of a recession. …

“Even if Trump succeeds, his approach almost certainly means higher prices for Americans across the board …

“And while he insists he has lowered prices for basic goods since taking office, that’s mostly untrue.” 

CNBC: “Trump’s first 100 days are the worst for the stock market since Nixon” 

Reuters: “Risks are high that the global economy will slip into recession this year, according to a majority of economists in a Reuters poll, in which scores said U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs have damaged business sentiment. …

“Showing unusual unanimity, none of the more than 300 economists polled April 1-28 said tariffs had a positive impact on business sentiment, with 92% saying ‘negative’.” 

CNBC: “U.S. agriculture isn’t nearing a trade war tariff crisis, it’s in a ‘full-blown crisis already,’ farmers say” 

“Data released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture on Thursday revealed China made its biggest cancellation of pork orders since 2020, halting a shipment of 12,000 tons of pork. … 

“Agricultural exporters warned that there are no other markets that can quickly replace China’s demand and absorb the volume, and that is already affecting prices.” 

Bloomberg: “Tariff ‘Chaos’ Drags Key Texas Manufacturing Gauge to Worst Since 2020” 

“A general gauge of business activity plunged to its worst reading since May 2020 based on recent survey responses from 87 Texas manufacturers, the Dallas Fed said Monday.”

Scott Lincicome, Cato Institute: “New Goldman-Sachs analysis estimates that US tariffs on imported inputs could raise US manufacturers’ production costs by 5-15%, thus making them less competitive vs foreign producers” 

New York Times: “As a result, allies are working to strike trade partnerships and build security alliances that exclude the United States. The European Union and South American countries recently created one of the world’s largest trade zones. 

“The Canadian prime minister, Mark Carney, recently proposed building new transportation networks to ease access to global markets outside the United States. …

“Second, Mr. Trump’s disdain for international institutions only strengthens the influence of China, the principal target of his attempts to use economic pressure.” 

Business Insider: “The worst is yet to come: Trump’s tariffs could mean even higher prices and empty shelves within weeks” 

“[Nine supply chain experts] agreed that, in the coming weeks, Americans can expect major disruptions to the prices and availability of goods — store shelves may be emptier, prices will rise, and some products will run out sooner than others. 

“And if things continue on the current trajectory, four of them said, by the end of the year, those effects could be compounded, leading to higher domestic unemployment rates, global market instability, and increased geopolitical tensions.” 

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