In an address to the nation, US President Donald Trump defended his government’s economic progress, claiming significant progress in reducing prices, despite widespread voter frustration with the cost of living.
“In just a few months, we went from the worst to the best situation,” he said, listing a series of products that, according to him, were cheaper compared to last year.
“I’m reducing these high prices and reducing them very quickly,” he added.
He placed the blame for the inflation on former President Joe Biden, saying he was now making progress in resolving what he characterized as an economic “mess.”
He also promised new relief measures for , citing new tax measures approved under the Republicans’ “big, beautiful bill.”
The message represented a more concerted effort to combat the surge that has driven down Trump’s approval rating and raised fears within the Republican Party that the party is headed for losses in next year’s midterm elections.
Still, Trump has largely refused to acknowledge any weaknesses in the economy during his time in office, declaring that inflation had been “controlled” even as prices have risen in recent months.
He attributed much of his success to despite signs that his disruptive trade policy raised some prices and proved widely unpopular with voters.
White House aides and Republicans have been urging the US president to show more empathy for Americans who are facing financial hardship and who doubt the government is doing much to improve their situation.
Trump largely offered a triumphalist message, insisting that the economy had already been rescued and would only get better from there.
“Our country was ready to fail, fail completely,” he said. “Now we are the hottest country in the world.”
