President Trump downplays cost-of-living concerns in State of the Union address |
| President Donald Trump brushed aside affordability worries in his State of the Union speech on Tuesday, repeatedly insisting that the U.S. economy is thriving despite polls showing widespread public dissatisfaction over inflation and living costs. In a nearly two-hour address, Mr. Trump declared that “inflation is plummeting” and “incomes are rising fast,” portraying the economy as stronger than ever. He offered few new policy proposals to tackle cost-of-living pressures and instead highlighted past tax cuts, falling mortgage rates and lower gasoline prices. When acknowledging concerns about affordability, Mr. Trump blamed Democrats, calling their criticism over rising prices a “dirty, rotten lie.” Democrats quickly criticized the address, arguing it lacked solutions for everyday Americans. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) said the president failed to address issues such as capping credit card interest rates and reducing childcare costs. Polls indicate that majorities of voters disapprove of Mr. Trump’s handling of the economy, inflation and tariffs, raising questions about whether his optimistic message will resonate beyond his core supporters. |
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