Against the backdrop of falling ratings President Donald Trump used a prime-time speech on Wednesday to ridicule his predecessor, arguing that his economic plan is working, and suggests that Americans need to be patient as his policies begin to bear fruit.
Trump, in an 18-minute address from the White House, made no new proposals other than what he called a $1,776 “warrior dividend” that would go to nearly 1.5 million military personnel to honor the country's founding nearly 250 years ago.
“And the checks are on their way,” he said. “Nobody understood this until about 30 minutes ago; we made a lot more money than anyone thought we would because of the tariffs.”
Trump used his powers to gain widespread television coverage in a speech that largely confirmed points he has made in public appearances and interviews since returning to office in January.
He spoke faster than usual and for the most part seemed to stick to his script. He rattled off price of eggsThanksgiving turkeys and airline tickets strengthen his argument that costs are falling under his leadership and convince the nation that former President Joe Biden left behind a “mess” that will take time and effort to fix.
Voters need to be convinced in this regard. A wave of recent polls has shown that Americans are concerned about the cost of living and dissatisfied with Trump's efforts to steer the country toward prosperity.
NPR/PBS News/Marist Poll A study this month found that 61% of respondents said the economy was not performing well for them personally, compared with 39% who said it was. Overall, 70% said the cost of living where they live is not very affordable or not affordable at all.
The economy could become a central issue in the 2026 midterm elections. As the new year approaches, Trump is seeking to stave off the congressional losses that typically plague presidents. Some Republicans are calling he should focus more on matters of the purse rather than the foreign affairs and cultural issues that often attract Trump's interest.
In an interview Wednesday before the speech, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., told NBC News: “We need to focus on solving people's problems, and the more we can focus on that, the better.”
Following Trump's remarks, Graham told Fox News that the economy was moving in the right direction and that Congress also had a role to play.
“Be patient, help is on the way,” he said.
Graham went on to say that Trump's address “proved to the American people that when it comes to their prosperity and security, by this time next year you will see a major difference.”
The speech was Trump's boldest attempt to date to show he is on track to make life more affordable for Americans struggling to pay their bills.
But along with Biden's condemnation came a warning that a full economic revival will take time. He mentioned, for example, that he was going to appoint a new chairman of the Federal Reserve, and when that happened, he promised, mortgage rates would fall. He also said that in 2026 he would unveil new plans for “housing reform.”
Inheriting a country he called “on the brink of ruin,” Trump said he was “cutting these high prices, very quickly.”
“Our country is back,” he said from the White House Diplomatic Reception Room. “Stronger than ever before. We are poised for an economic boom the likes of which the country has never seen.”
“It's not done yet, but we've made progress,” he added. “Nobody can believe what's happening.”
Trump's optimistic narrative of a country making impressive economic strides missed a few inconvenient warning signs. Unemployment rate rose to 4.6% in November, the highest level in five years.
Trump cited falling egg prices and Thanksgiving dinners as signs of economic recovery. However, in general the government Consumer Price Index shows that prices have risen every month since April, and in September (the most available data due to the government shutdown) the inflation rate reached 3%.
Presidents typically reserve prime-time television addresses for landmark events, such as when Barack Obama entered the East Room of the White House in 2011 to announce that U.S. troops had killed Osama bin Laden.
Trump is one of the most ubiquitous presidents, constantly sharing his thoughts through social media, interviews and public appearances. It's a rare day when the public doesn't hear their president in some way. Indeed, during the September lull, when he did not appear in public for four days, unfounded rumors appeared on the Internet that he was seriously ill or worse.
But a prime-time appearance is an opportunity for the president to reach an audience that may not be attuned to the political swings consuming Washington.
After finishing his speech, Trump looked at members of the press watching from the room. He said that his chief of staff Susie Wilestold him he needed to give a national address.
“Do you think it's easy?” Trump said. He then took a sip of the Diet Coke the doorman had brought in advance.
