Trump hits the road to sell economic message and counter cost of living concerns

December 9, 2025

President Donald Trump is holding a rally in Pennsylvania to defend his economic policies as public approval of his handling of the economy has declined significantly, with polling showing a 15-point drop since March. The event comes after Democrats successfully focused on affordability issues in November elections, raising Republican concerns about the 2026 midterm contests. Trump blames his predecessor Joe Biden for economic problems and points to various policy measures as solutions, while Democrats argue his tariffs and other policies are actually driving up consumer prices.

Who is affected

American voters and consumers experiencing rising cost of living
Republican candidates facing tough 2026 midterm elections
Republican Rob Bresnahan holding Pennsylvania's 8th congressional district
Democratic candidates including Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti
Farmers impacted by low crop prices and tariffs
Undocumented workers in farming (estimated 40% of agricultural workforce)
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and other Democratic critics

What action is being taken

Trump is holding a rally in Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania on Tuesday evening
The White House is wrestling with how to address voters' economic concerns
Democrats are focusing on cost of living issues in their campaigns
Trump is campaigning to support Republican candidates for the 2026 midterms
Democrats are casting blame on Trump administration policies for affordability issues

Why it matters

This matters because declining public trust in Trump's economic management threatens Republican control of Congress in the 2026 midterm elections. The economy, particularly affordability and cost of living, has emerged as a decisive campaign issue after Democrats successfully used it in November elections. With half of all voters—and 40% of Trump's own 2024 supporters—saying the cost of living is the worst in their lifetimes, the president's ability to address these concerns could determine the political landscape for the remainder of his term. The situation is particularly significant in swing states like Pennsylvania, where narrow margins in competitive districts will likely decide congressional control.

What's next

Trump will hold more campaign-style events comparable to his 2024 presidential campaign
Trump will campaign aggressively to support Republican candidates in 2026
Democrat Paige Cognetti is seeking the nomination to challenge Rob Bresnahan in Pennsylvania's 8th district in 2026

Read full article from source: BBC