Trump Calls Economy ‘A-Plus’ as New Polls Show Low Approval and Rising Cost Concerns

Polling-led coverage underscores a disconnect between the president’s rosy grade versus voter reports of worsening affordability.

Overview

Politico’s interview captured President Trump upgrading his assessment to an “A-plus-plus-plus-plus-plus,” while asserting he inherited a “total mess” and that prices are falling.
On CNN, Jake Tapper cited a CBS News survey showing 36% approval of Trump’s handling of the economy and a Fox News poll finding 62% blame him for current conditions.
That Fox poll also found 46% say Trump’s policies such as tariffs hurt them financially, with 85% reporting higher grocery costs and 78% higher utility bills than a year ago.
David Axelrod said on CNN that Trump’s stance reflects denial that could hurt congressional Republicans, as the network aired a clip of a supporter citing cost pressures and noted a rally in Mount Pocono focused on affordability.
Crooks & Liars reported that BLS plans to fold October jobs data into the November release and alleged a BLS staffer was dismissed, claims not independently corroborated by the other coverage.