The global upheaval Trump has unleashed in his first 100 days has created changes in the world economy not seen for a century.
Nobody can possibly guess the outcome shaped by his tariff-focused agenda, vast reductions within the federal workforce, and mass deportations.
Here are 15 ways Trump’s initial months in office have impacted the money and confidence of everyday Americans.
1. Egg prices are stabilizing
Egg prices skyrocketed last year due to a massive bird-flu outbreak. Early in Trump’s term, prices rose slightly but have since moderated as the outbreak was brought under control.
However, eggs remain relatively expensive, costing consumers $6.23 per dozen as of March.
2. Gas prices are falling
Gas prices have dropped considerably in Trump’s first 100 days compared with 2024, with prices approximately 14% lower in April year over year.
This reduction is largely attributed to increased global oil supply and potential geopolitical developments easing market pressures, saving Americans millions at the pump.
3. Car prices are high and likely to get higher
Vehicle affordability remains elusive for many Americans, with average transaction prices holding steady around $47,371 in mid-April.
Trump’s proposed tariffs threaten to increase prices by thousands of dollars, prompting consumers to buy new cars earlier to avoid future higher costs.
4. Where are the lower mortgage rates?
Mortgage rates continue to trouble prospective homebuyers, averaging 6.81% for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage by late April.
Contrary to Trump’s campaign promise of drastically reducing rates, current high rates maintain hurdles to affordable homeownership.
5. It’s still tough for the average American to buy a home
Home prices show signs of slower growth amid market uncertainty and reduced buyer demand, but affordability remains an issue.
Although March home sales dropped by almost 6% year over year, median prices reached record highs for the month, standing at $403,700.
6. It’s not getting better for renters either
Rents increased nationwide for two consecutive months, up to a median of $1,384 in March.
Despite moderating somewhat since highs reached in 2022, current rental prices remain about 20% higher than at the beginning of 2021, pressuring household budgets.
7. He’s taken a chainsaw to the federal workforce
Trump’s sweeping cuts to the federal workforce have led to mass firings of government employees, affecting hundreds of thousands nationwide.
This abrupt downsizing has increased economic anxieties, introducing new financial instability for many households, including those not directly reliant on federal employment.
8. We’re spending less and saving more
Amid economic uncertainty linked to tariffs, market volatility, and job security concerns following extensive government layoffs, consumers are saving more.
The personal savings rate climbed slightly to 4.6% in February—signaling consumers are preparing for possible negative financial impacts ahead.
9. Credit card rates dropped a little, but are still high
The average APR for credit cards carrying balances decreased marginally to 21.91% from 22.80%.
Trump previously proposed capping rates around 10%, but so far that hasn’t happened.
10. Credit delinquencies are rising
With the end of the pandemic-era pause on student loan payments, the average credit score temporarily dropped in February, partially due to rising delinquencies.
Auto and mortgage loan delinquencies also edged upward slightly, reflecting the increased financial pressures consumers are facing.
11. Wall Street is on a tariff-induced roller coaster
Investor concern over Trump’s proposed tariffs and uncertain trade policies has contributed to volatility in financial markets, with markets sometimes gyrating by hundreds of points daily based on a single Trump quote or “Truth.”
Growing fears of higher import costs, reduced profits and potential recession hurt stock prices and investor confidence.
12. Consumer confidence is plummeting
Consumer confidence has declined noticeably as Americans grapple with financial uncertainty.
The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index® fell by 7.2 points in March to 92.9. The Expectations Index—based on consumers’ short-term outlook for income, business, and labor market conditions—dropped 9.6 points to 65.2, the lowest level in 12 years and well below the threshold of 80 that usually signals a recession ahead.
13. Social safety net programs are fading
Trump’s policies have significantly reduced funding and support for social safety net programs, from Meals on Wheels to potential cuts to Medicaid and other essential services.
These reductions threaten access to important resources for low-income individuals and families, creating additional uncertainties.
14. Mass deportations are threatening the labor market
Trump administration policies around mass deportations promise to produce labor shortages in key industries such as agriculture, construction, and hospitality.
These actions heighten overall business anxiety by reducing workforce availability, inflating production costs, reducing tax collections and potentially increasing prices consumers pay for goods and services.
15. Increasing risk of recession
Economists and analysts are increasingly concerned about the elevated risk of recession driven by market instability, rising tariffs, and falling consumer confidence.
As these pressures continue to mount, Americans face heightened uncertainty over job security, economic growth, and future financial stability.
Conclusion: The world is changing
Trump’s first 100 days are a mixed bag. But one thing’s for sure: The financial world for many Americans is changing, and becoming less certain.
Ongoing concerns about federal employee layoffs, trade policies, immigration policies, housing costs, high consumer prices, and cutbacks to social safety net programs will be dominating headlines for months to come.
And the result of all this upheaval? That’s yet to be seen.
Something certain in uncertain times
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