Trump Seeks to Re‑brand Tariffs as “Economic Game Changer” Ahead of the Mid‑term Elections
President Donald J. Trump spent the weekend on social media and television calling his trade tariffs “the most important thing done for the economy since the founding of the country.” He said the levies have already generated “$200 billion” in revenue for the federal government—figures released by Customs and Border Protection—while cautions that the Supreme Court could eventually strike them down.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump emphasized the broader benefits he claims tariffs are delivering:
“Tariffs are creating GREAT WEALTH, and unprecedented National Security for the USA. Trade deficit has been cut by 60%, totally unheard of. 4.3% GDP, and going way up. No inflation!!! We are respected as a Country again,” the former president wrote.
The former president tapped the surge in U.S. economic data—most notably a 4.3 % quarterly GDP growth for the July‑September quarter—as evidence of his administration’s “success” and touted falling energy costs. He highlighted gasoline prices that have fallen below $3.00 per gallon for the first time since 2021, saying:
“You saw the 4.3 percent?” he said, “The Democrats were exploding. Their heads were exploding.”
Trump argues that lower gasoline and oil prices naturally cut electricity costs, adding:
“You know, when the gasoline goes down and when the oil and oil and gas go down, the electricity comes down naturally. But it’s all coming down. It’s all coming down. It’s coming beautifully.”
Although electricity bills edged up by 13 % in 2025—according to Climate Power—and the Energy Information Administration warns of rising home‑energy expenses, Trump points to the overall “beautiful” price trend.
Mid‑term bets on “pricing”
The former president claims that affordability is the ticket to Republican success in 2026’s November elections, saying:
“I think it’s going to be about the success of our country. It’ll be about pricing,”
He blamed the Biden administration for a “mess” of high pricing and said that lowering those costs—particularly energy—will galvanize voters against the Democrats, who labeled the affordability crisis their campaign theme in recent off‑year contests.
Consumer sentiment is not smiling
Those optimistic about economic growth stand in stark contrast to consumer sentiment data. The University of Michigan’s final consumer‑sentiment index for this year fell 28.5 % from the prior year, a drop highlighted by survey director Joanne Hsu in a Yahoo Finance interview. In an AP/NORC poll, Americans also trimmed charitable giving as the holiday season approaches.
The battle for Congress
Republicans are fighting to keep their slim 220‑213 majority in the House and their 53‑47 advantage in the Senate. A Democratic takeover of the House in November could force tougher legislative oversight and derail Trump’s agenda.
Trump’s victory in the presidency amid complaints about the economy and inflation under President Joe Biden has set the stage for a contentious mid‑term that, according to Trump, will hinge on whether voters feel they are getting “a fair price” for their money.
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