UPDATE: President Donald Trump delivered a high-energy address from the White House on Wednesday night, asserting that he is successfully revitalizing the economy, despite widespread public disapproval. In a speech lasting roughly 20 minutes, Trump highlighted various achievements while shifting blame to Democrats for ongoing economic challenges, particularly the escalating cost of living.
Trump’s speech comes as a new PBS News/NPR/Marist poll reveals his approval rating on the economy has plummeted to just 36%, with over 60% of Americans feeling the economy is not benefiting them. Rather than acknowledging these sentiments, he proclaimed, “We’re bringing our economy back from the brink of ruin,” while promising more financial relief in the coming year.
In a notable announcement, Trump revealed a new “warrior dividend” of $1,776 for over 1.45 million service members, claiming the checks are already on their way. This move is designed to honor the nation’s founding and aims to provide immediate financial support to military families.
Trump touted reductions in the prices of essential goods like eggs, Thanksgiving turkeys, and gasoline, claiming prices are now under $2.50 per gallon in many areas. However, the national average is currently $2.91 per gallon, according to AAA. Additionally, he asserted that “inflation has stopped,” despite the latest inflation data revealing a steady rate of 3%.
The president also hinted at future housing policy changes, blaming undocumented immigrants for rising housing costs. While he claims these policies will address the issue, experts warn that housing shortages and high mortgage rates are the true culprits.
In a bid to counter criticisms of the Affordable Care Act, Trump failed to mention the expected spikes in health insurance premiums for enrollees, which are projected to rise by more than 100% without extended subsidies. He emphasized that these challenges are solely the fault of Democrats, seeking to frame the issue ahead of potential 2026 elections.
Despite the upbeat tone of his address, many experts are skeptical about the effectiveness of Trump’s policies. His tariffs intended to bolster the economy have instead strained profits and driven up prices for consumers. The complex reality surrounding the economy stands in stark contrast to Trump’s portrayal of a thriving nation.
As the speech unfolded, Trump urged Americans to remain patient, promising that they would soon see more cash in their wallets thanks to tariffs and the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill,” which he claims will deliver the largest tax cuts in American history.
With public sentiment leaning heavily against him, Trump’s defiant stance and optimistic rhetoric may not resonate as intended. As the nation looks ahead to the new year, many Americans remain concerned about the true state of the economy and the implications of his policies on their lives.
Stay tuned for further updates as the economic landscape continues to shift and as Trump’s administration implements these policies in the upcoming months.
