MAGA Ally Slams Trump as ‘Weak and Rudderless’ on Economy

Even some of Donald Trump’s closest allies are now openly criticizing him. Sean Davis, CEO of the pro-Trump outlet The Federalist, blasted the former president this week, calling him “weak and rudderless” on economic issues. The attack came after last week’s off-year elections, where Democrats focused heavily on affordability and won big.

Davis, who has spent years defending Trump, took to X to criticize both the president and congressional Republicans. He argued that neither side is addressing the real struggles of Americans dealing with high inflation and rising housing costs. “Trump needs to ditch the foreign policy crap and focus all his attention on the domestic economy, which is still not working for the majority of people,” Davis wrote. “Right now he looks weak and rudderless. Be mad all you want, but it’s the truth.”

The criticism is especially striking because it comes from someone within Trump’s own media circle. Davis warned that the GOP currently has “no accomplishments, no plans, and no vision,” suggesting that Republicans could face heavy losses in the 2026 midterms if they fail to change course. “Why on earth would anyone be excited to go vote for them 12 months right now?” he asked.

Trump’s handling of economic issues has become a point of tension even among supporters. While Democrats campaigned on the rising cost of living, Trump dismissed the concern as a “con job” invented by his opponents. He insisted prices were actually falling and declared, “I don’t want to hear about the affordability.”

Meanwhile, the reality for many Americans tells a different story. Newly graduated college students struggle to find work while carrying large debt loads. Families continue to grapple with rising grocery bills and housing costs that have surged under his administration. Critics argue that Trump’s focus on tariffs and trade deals has not improved the everyday lives of working Americans.

Fox Business correspondent Charles Gasparino also chimed in, warning that Trump’s approach could backfire. “I really think the Trump Admin is playing with fire by tacitly accepting 3% inflation as the new normal. It’s literally a tax increase in the middle and working class, all to use tariffs as a temporary revenue generator,” Gasparino said. He added that top-line numbers only appear strong because spending is concentrated among the wealthiest Americans, leaving ordinary workers behind.

The president’s recent behavior reinforces this perception. During the same period, federal workers went unpaid due to a government shutdown, and millions of low-income Americans risked losing food benefits. Yet Trump spent his time on an opulent trip to Asia, a lavish Great Gatsby-themed party at Mar-a-Lago, and posting online about marble bathroom renovations and high-end carpet installations. The contrast between these displays and the struggles of average Americans has drawn widespread criticism.

Even while trying to seize the affordability message from Democrats in recent days, Trump has continued to dismiss the real concerns of voters. He falsely claimed grocery prices are “way down” while millions are worried about paying rent, putting food on the table, and meeting daily expenses.

The fallout is clear in polling numbers. Trump’s approval ratings are dropping, particularly around economic issues. Americans are noticing a disconnect between his words and the reality they face, echoing patterns seen during Biden’s handling of inflation in 2022 and 2023.

Meanwhile, progressive activists are frustrated with Senate Democrats for appearing to compromise too quickly in negotiations over the government shutdown. Many argued that ending the shutdown without securing an extension of Obamacare tax credits was a missed opportunity. Leah Greenberg, cofounder of Indivisible, said, “What on Earth does the base have to do to convince Dems they need to fight?” She was referencing recent nationwide protests and election victories that spotlighted voter priorities.