President Donald Trump still has not grasped the severity of his fading approval rating on the economy, despite launching an affordability messaging tour.
Trump was elected to fix the rampant inflation caused by former President Joe Biden, but 71% of people said they are spending more on groceries this year than last. That included 73% of independents and even 52% of Republicans. Trump’s affordability messaging contradicts his tariff policies, which 65% of people disapproved of, including 72% of independents.
DEMOCRATS SET EXPANDED TARGETS AFTER SURPRISE VICTORIES IN FLORIDA AND GEORGIA
The tariffs are harming Trump across the board, including leading to job losses in transportation and manufacturing, as costs rise for both consumers and businesses. The “Biden economy” excuse is no longer flying with voters, either, as 62% cited Trump’s policies as being responsible for the current economy, with just 32% (likely GOP base voters) still blaming Biden.
Trump’s team has undoubtedly made him aware of this glaring issue among voters hanging over the GOP for the 2026 midterm elections, which is why Trump has ramped up the affordability messaging. That would explain why Trump launched what is essentially a campaign circuit focused on bringing down prices. Trump’s first stop was in Pennsylvania on Tuesday, but the tour had a shaky start as Trump struggled to remain on message, telling people they don’t “need” to buy a lot of dolls or pencils for their children.
This is exactly the kind of arrogant, “I know better than you” attitude that drove voters away from Biden’s team, which constantly bragged about how great the economy was as inflation spiraled out of control. Voters never want to hear politicians tell them they don’t “need” something, especially when it’s framed in exaggerated ways, as Trump’s suggestion that people worried about the economy just want to buy “37” dolls for their children. Rich politicians telling people that the economy is great as long as they don’t buy stuff (especially toys for their children before Christmas) does not play well, nor should it.
NONE OF TRUMP’S TARIFF PROMISES ARE COMING TRUE
And Trump has obviously not received the message on tariffs, as his administration plans to implement them another way if the Supreme Court blocks the current method. Trump is trying to swim upstream to win voters over on the economy, while drowning himself with his tariff policies.
Trump can pay lip service to affordability all he wants, but if he continues to undermine it with his rhetoric and tariff policies, it will not make a difference. Republicans are barreling down the same path that Biden had Democrats travel in the lead-up to last year’s elections, which is why the political atmosphere is turning against Republicans so quickly after those sweeping victories.