Trump Touts ‘National Renewal’ in Longest Address — But Only 31% Express Strong Confidence on Cost of Living

Donald Trump gave his longest State of the Union address on Tuesday night. He mixed big claims about the economy with barbs at Democrats and a steady stream of applause from the Republican side of the chamber.

Nearly two thirds of people who watched the speech said they had at least a somewhat positive reaction, but only 38% described their reaction as very positive.

Only 31% of viewers said they had “a lot” of confidence that he would make the cost of living more affordable, the poll found. That is not exactly a ringing endorsement with 250 days to go until the midterm elections.

The president opened with broad claims about national renewal. He said the country is “bigger, better, richer and stronger than ever before” and boasted of “a transformation like no one has ever seen before and a turnaround for the ages.” He also declared that “Inflation is plummeting, incomes are rising fast, the economy is roaring like never before,” lines that drew loud applause. Those quotes were delivered to a friendly crowd on the House floor.

He also took a moment to mock the opposition over the word affordability. He called the term “a word they just used” that “somebody” had “given to them,” and blamed Democrats for having “created the high prices” that still bother many Americans. Those lines got laughs from supporters and eye rolls from critics.

Outside the chamber, broader national polls show more worry for the White House. A recent Washington Post poll found 61% of Americans say Mr. Trump’s policies will send the country in the wrong direction, and just 36% approve of his job performance. That marks a clear drop from last year.

Independent voters appear to be peeling away. Newsweek reported that approval among independents has fallen to 26%, a steep decline from earlier levels that once helped him win key races. That shift could matter a great deal in November.

For his part, the president painted a picture of success and momentum. He pointed to lower gas prices and claimed a large flow of foreign investment, saying the nation had fixed the problems that brought him back to the White House. Supporters cheered; skeptics took notes.

The polling snapshot suggests the speech energized the base but did little to quiet doubts among people who worry about prices and daily life. If you were hoping for a turn in public confidence, the numbers are not encouraging.

Now the real test comes from numbers. Economists, market watchers and voters will watch the monthly inflation figures, job reports and gas prices. Small moves in the Consumer Price Index or in payrolls can change how people feel about the economy very quickly.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump will keep selling the story of an economic comeback. But most voters will judge by prices at the pump and the checkout, not by applause in the chamber.

Featured image via X screengrab