MOUNT POCONO, Pa. — During a recent visit to Pennsylvania, President Donald Trump aimed to highlight his administration's focus on combating inflation, an issue that has significantly impacted his popularity. Speaking at the Mount Airy Casino Resort, Trump told the crowd that inflation is no longer a concern and accused Democrats of using the term "affordability" as a tactic to undermine his reputation. However, his comments quickly veered off course, revisiting grievances from his first term, including a controversial question about why the U.S. does not welcome more immigrants from Scandinavian countries. "Why is it we only take people from s—-hole countries?” Trump asked, referencing countries like Afghanistan, Haiti, and Somalia, which he described as “disaster” zones.
The event, while officially a White House gathering, had the atmosphere of a classic Trump campaign rally. It was attended by a smaller crowd than typical rallies, located in a conference center ballroom in a town with a population of around 3,000. Despite this, Trump’s reception in Monroe County underscored his ability to connect with his base, although lingering questions about his ability to unify his coalition for the upcoming 2024 elections remained.
In light of recent disappointing results for Republicans in off-cycle elections, the White House has been actively working to reassure voters that the economy will rebound in the coming year. Trump presented a chart comparing price increases during his presidency with those under his predecessor, Joe Biden, in an effort to make his case. Nevertheless, overall inflation has surged since he announced broad tariffs, leaving many Americans anxious about rising costs for essentials such as groceries, utilities, and housing. "I have no higher priority than making America affordable again," Trump declared, suggesting that his administration is actively working to lower prices.
In Monroe County, where tourism is a significant source of employment, residents are increasingly feeling the sting of inflation. Lou Heddy, a retired maintenance mechanic and Trump supporter, noted that his grocery bills have skyrocketed, stating, "Once the prices get up for food, they don't ever come back down." On the other hand, Democratic voter Suzanne Vena attributed her financial struggles to Trump's tariffs, expressing skepticism about his claims of lowering inflation.
The area Trump visited is crucial for determining control of the House in the upcoming midterm elections. His rally took place in a congressional district represented by first-term Republican Rep. Rob Bresnahan, who is a target for Democrats. Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti is vying for the nomination to challenge him. As Bresnahan addressed the crowd, he emphasized the need for tangible results rather than partisan debates. With inflation weighing heavily on voters, it remains uncertain whether Trump can motivate them to turn out in the elections.
Trump's chief of staff, Susie Wiles, indicated that the former president plans to hold more rallies as the midterm elections approach, aiming to engage low-propensity voters who may be inclined to support him. Wiles noted, "We're actually going to turn that on its head and put him on the ballot," highlighting the importance of energizing his base. The challenge for Trump lies in addressing voter concerns about the economy while asserting that the U.S. economy is experiencing a significant boom.
Despite some signs of economic resilience, such as a rising stock market and solid growth projections for the third quarter, many Americans continue to struggle with high costs for housing, groceries, and other basic needs. A recent survey revealed that only 33% of U.S. adults approve of Trump's handling of the economy, indicating a widespread skepticism about his economic performance. Trump argued that his tariffs and policies have positively impacted various industries, specifically urging Americans to reduce their purchases of imported goods, stating, "You don't need 37 dolls for your daughter; two or three is nice."
As Trump navigates these complex issues in the months leading up to the election, the economic landscape and public sentiment will play pivotal roles in shaping his campaign strategy.