UPDATE: President Donald Trump addressed supporters in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, just hours after a partial release of Jeffrey Epstein files, aiming to bolster his faltering economic agenda. With his approval ratings plummeting to an alarming 38 percent, the president’s speech was seen as a desperate attempt to sway public opinion before heading to his Mar-a-Lago resort for a two-week vacation.
At the rally, which took place earlier today, Trump sought to distance himself from the economic struggles faced by many Americans. His speech, however, quickly veered into a lengthy, disjointed monologue, making it unclear whether he would focus on his economic strategy. For the first twenty minutes, Trump appeared hoarse and fatigue-ridden, echoing sentiments already shared with pharmaceutical executives earlier that day.
Trump emphasized his administration’s agreements with drug manufacturers, claiming they will lead to lower prices for medications. “Your drugs are coming down at levels that nobody ever thought was possible,” he asserted, suggesting this achievement could be pivotal for the upcoming midterm elections.
As he continued, the president criticized the Affordable Care Act, inaccurately asserting it was designed to enrich insurance companies. He claimed he aimed to redirect funds to Americans for direct healthcare purchases, although he provided no clarity on how this would work.
In a moment of unbridled rhetoric, Trump indicated he could persuade insurance executives to lower premiums, mirroring how he pressured pharmaceutical companies into price reductions. “Maybe they’ll surprise us, but maybe we’ll ask them for a 50% cut,” he stated, showcasing his unpredictable negotiating style.
The rally also featured Trump’s controversial remarks about Representative Ilhan Omar, which appeared to distract from his economic messaging. He continued with several unverifiable claims regarding job creation during his presidency, asserting that “100 percent” of jobs were private sector positions.
Despite his claims of an economic revival, recent polling data presents a troubling picture for Trump. A National Public Radio and Marist College survey released this week indicates that 57 percent of respondents disapprove of his economic management, marking the lowest approval rating of his presidency. Among independents, a staggering 68 percent express discontent with his handling of the economy.
The report also highlighted that nearly 70 percent of Americans find the cost of living in their communities unaffordable. Additionally, about one-third of respondents reported deteriorating personal financial situations, foreshadowing further challenges as they expect worsening conditions in the coming year.
Compounding these concerns, the latest employment data reveals a troubling trend. While the economy added 64,000 jobs in September, it shed 105,000 jobs the previous month, with a significant revision of 33,000 jobs removed from previous payroll reports. The unemployment rate has risen to 4.6 percent, the highest level since 2021, prompting fears of an economic downturn.
Trump’s rally today marks his second consecutive campaign-style event, aimed at promoting his administration’s economic record. However, despite his efforts, many voters remain skeptical of his strategies and policies. Observers note that hiring momentum has slowed as businesses grapple with the implications of Trump’s tariffs and high interest rates, causing uncertainty in the job market.
As Trump heads off for his vacation, the question remains: can he regain the confidence of American voters before the upcoming midterm elections? With mounting economic pressures and an increasingly critical electorate, the stakes have never been higher for the president.
For continuous updates on this developing story, stay tuned.
