Overview
- At a Dec. 9 event in Mount Pocono, President Trump graded the economy “A+++++,” asserted prices are coming down, and labeled affordability a partisan “hoax.”
- The rally mixed economic claims with inflammatory remarks about Joe Biden and Somali immigrants, and featured unverified boasts about drops in egg and turkey prices and rising real wages.
- Economists and recent indicators contradict the president’s assertions, with inflation running near 3% year over year, grocery and electricity costs higher, and consumer confidence weakening.
- Republican strategists and lawmakers caution that denying voters’ price pain could hurt the party in 2026, citing polls showing broad dissatisfaction with the economy and concern over the GOP’s message.
- Even as Trump defends tariffs, the administration has rolled back duties on dozens of food items and announced $12 billion for farmers, with further affordability-themed appearances billed in the weeks ahead; enhanced ACA subsidies are also set to lapse without a GOP fix.