US President Donald Trump has openly admitted that he has done a poor job of explaining his economic record to the American public. Speaking at a Hispanic Heritage Month event at the White House, he insisted the country is performing better than ever while conceding that the message is not reaching voters.
The admission comes at a difficult moment. The ongoing US Iran war has disrupted energy supplies and pushed fuel prices sharply higher, adding pressure on household budgets just weeks before the November midterm elections. Consumer confidence fell in September to its lowest level in nearly twelve and a half years. A recent Reuters Ipsos poll placed Trump’s overall approval at just 32 percent, the lowest of either of his presidential terms, with only 17 percent approving of his handling of the cost of living. Dissatisfaction over inflation has even spread among some Republican voters.
At the pump the pain is clear. Diesel prices recently hit a record 6.53 dollars a gallon according to AAA data. Gasoline costs have also climbed as supply disruptions linked to the Iran war, attacks on Russian refineries and tighter global inventories take effect. Oil prices rose further on Wednesday after talks between the United States and Iran stalled. Brent crude settled at 103.50 dollars a barrel while US West Texas Intermediate closed at 90.42 dollars.
Despite these pressures, parts of the economy continue to show strength. Second quarter growth was revised to an annualised 2.2 percent rate and consumer spending rose 3.8 percent. Business investment tied to artificial intelligence infrastructure has also supported activity. Trump argues that the underlying numbers remain solid but that his team has failed at promotion. “We’re not getting the word out,” he said, adding that the administration is running the country well yet communicating poorly.
With control of Congress at stake, Trump is launching a 32 day campaign swing through Texas, Oklahoma, Alabama and Ohio. Several Republican candidates have begun distancing themselves from the Iran war policy as voters feel the impact of higher food and fuel costs. Diplomatic efforts continue through Qatari mediators, though differences remain over reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump’s latest comments underline the challenge he faces in turning around public perception before voters head to the polls.
