Trump defends economic record at rally, vows to make ‘America affordable again’
Trump holds a rambling campaign-style rally in Pennsylvania as his administration grapples with voter anxiety about the economy
US President Donald Trump tried to reassure Americans that the US economy was healthy at a campaign-style rally on Tuesday as Republicans braced for a tough fight to hold control of Congress in next year’s midterm elections.
Speaking at a Mount Pocono casino in northeastern Pennsylvania, Trump argued that his economic policies, including his imposition of widespread tariffs on imports, were creating jobs, boosting the stock market and attracting increased investment into the United States.
“I have no higher priority than making America affordable again,” Trump said.
Government data showed that job growth has slowed during Trump’s second term, unemployment has risen to its highest level in four years and consumer prices remain high. Overall, the economy’s growth has rebounded somewhat after it contracted during the first few months of the year.
Trump took credit for bringing down fuel and energy costs and the price of eggs. He was quick to blame his predecessor in the White House, Democrat Joe Biden, for high prices on other goods even though he has been in office for almost a year.