As the US midterms approach, Trump’s boasts on the economy fall flat with voters

Key Points:

• Despite Donald Trump's repeated claims of having "the greatest economy in history," economic indicators show higher inflation, slower growth, and rising gas prices since he took office, with 73% of Americans rating the economy as fair or poor.
• Experts attribute inflation increases to Trump's tariffs and the conflict with Iran, which have pushed prices above wage growth, worsening affordability; consumer sentiment has hit near-record lows amid economic uncertainty.
• While unemployment remains relatively low at 4.1%, job growth under Trump has been sluggish compared to the previous administration, with a net loss in factory jobs despite tariff policies aimed at boosting manufacturing.
• Supporters highlight continued private-sector job growth and strong investment spending, with some crediting AI-driven sectors for economic resilience, but critics argue inflation and high interest rates are undermining household finances and consumer confidence.
• The White House maintains that targeted policy interventions are lowering costs in certain areas and that consumer spending remains robust, though public approval of Trump's economic management has significantly declined ahead of upcoming elections.