In today’s complex political landscape, visuals often speak volumes. A recent video illustrates the growing discontent among middle and lower-income households, facing increased costs in healthcare, housing, and transportation with minimal relief in sight. Unlike King Canute, who understood the limitations of words against the tides, it seems that Trump genuinely believes his rhetoric can alter this grim reality.
While Biden may not be known for his dynamic responses, he did remain quiet as a CNN reporter laid out the troubling statistics concerning the economy, only to react defensively when pressed. In essence, both he and Trump share a similar dismissal of the mounting economic woes:
Biden looks shocked as CNN host Erin Burnett reels off a list of stats detailing how bad the economy is. Biden claims he’s already “turned it around” and that every poll showing Americans favouring Trump on the economy is wrong. Full report here: https://t.co/smaN0DjOVD pic.twitter.com/K2wTAwdrse
— m o d e r n i t y (@ModernityNews) May 9, 2024
Trump’s denial of the adverse effects of his tariffs on inflation is particularly egregious. Small businesses, struggling to find domestic suppliers, can attest to the consequences of these economic policies. It’s no surprise that the term “con” often escapes his lips; it reflects a deeper issue of projecting his own failings onto others.
A recent NBER study reveals an initial inflation increase of 0.7% attributed to tariffs. As reported by Money:
The annual inflation rate for August was 2.9%. Without tariffs, it would have been 2.2%, placing the U.S. closer to the Federal Reserve’s target of 2%. Instead, the prices of various goods, including domestically produced items, have risen due to these tariffs.
“Prices began rising immediately after the broader tariff measures were implemented in early March and continued to rise gradually in the following months,” the researchers noted.
Data from the Labor Department indicated that inflation was stabilizing before the introduction of these tariffs.
Despite these findings, inflation continued to climb, reaching 3.0% by September. Trump’s attempts to deflect blame onto Biden only exacerbate the situation:
Inflation was 2.9% on Biden’s last day in office. https://t.co/JLI3OC0e6V
— Maine (@TheMaineWonk) December 2, 2025
Public frustration with affordability reflects not only recent economic fluctuations but also a broader historical perspective. The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in significant financial strain, creating a new normal that weighs heavily on many households. Those at the top appear disconnected from the reality of these challenges, as genuine solutions require addressing issues such as rent, healthcare costs, and education expenses. The repeated refrain from leaders, resembling “Let them eat cake,” does little to address these pressing concerns.
Trump’s increasingly aggressive behavior may reflect an awareness of the limitations of his influence. Recent polling indicates a growing disapproval rate for Trump. An analysis by the New Republic reveals:
CNN’s chief data analyst Harry Enten reported that Trump’s net approval rating plummeted to -24% from -1% in January. That’s a staggering drop of over 20 points during a sitting president’s term.
Since the 1940s, no president has successfully turned around their approval ratings by more than five points in this period leading up to midterm elections. Absent significant change, Trump may soon face losing Republican support,” Enten stated.
According to The Hill, recent averages place Trump’s approval at a troubling -13. They attribute this decline to economic dissatisfaction.
Yet, instead of making substantial changes, the administration appears committed to a traditional messaging strategy, believing that improved communication can resolve their challenges. Reports from the New York Times state:
Recently, Trump articulated his agenda to lower prescription drug costs and concluded, “If this story is properly told, we should win the Midterm Elections in RECORD NUMBERS. I AM THE AFFORDABILITY PRESIDENT. TALK LOUDLY AND PROUDLY!”
However, the video at the beginning shows Trump retreating from this assertive claim, acknowledging its questionable credibility. Furthermore, as noted in the Times report:
Members of the administration stated that as Trump prepares to amplify his affordability messaging, they aim to learn from Biden’s missteps, which failed to resonate with voters.
Kevin Hassett, a prominent White House economic adviser, said, “Trumponomics works and Bidenomics doesn’t,” adding that economic growth was notable under Trump. However, he conceded that, given the current economic climate, “there’s still work to do.”
His foreign policy challenges further complicate matters; Trump may struggle to save face amid issues like the situation in Ukraine. While he could’ve claimed victory had he responded to situations in Venezuela with military action, he now finds himself in a position where aggressiveness may backfire. Compounding his troubles, global relationships are showing strains. Trump’s failure to control foreign relations, such as with Thailand, has highlighted the reality of diminishing power on the world stage. The diplomatic landscape is shifting, revealing that even superpowers can find their influence curtailed.
As we look to the future, there are still years ahead filled with potential turmoil, particularly if Trump’s historical patterns of escalating rhetoric persist. The ramifications of these dynamics will continue to unfold, and it remains to be seen how leaders will adapt to these ongoing challenges.
