US President delivers campaign-style speech highlighting GDP growth and market highs while facing criticism over border enforcement and cost-of-living concerns.
US President Donald Trump delivered a forceful defense of his economic record during a campaign-style appearance in Iowa on Tuesday, seeking to redirect public attention from mounting criticism over recent fatal shootings by immigration agents in neighboring Minnesota.Speaking to supporters in the Republican stronghold, Trump proclaimed his first year in office as the "greatest" presidential start in US history, pointing to robust economic indicators to bolster his case ahead of November's midterm elections."Today, after just one year of President Trump, our economy is booming, incomes are rising, investment is soaring, inflation has been defeated," Trump declared, adding that America's border is "totally closed" and the nation commands global respect.The president's remarks come as the US economy continues to outperform international peers, with GDP expanding at an annualized 4.3 percent in the final quarter of 2025—the strongest performance in two years. Stock markets have reached record highs, which Trump attributed to his administration's tax cuts and tariff policies.Trump highlighted specific investments, including a $70 million commitment by agricultural equipment manufacturer Deere & Co in North Carolina, as evidence of his economic stewardship. "I made a lot of people rich that I don't even like... I've doubled their net worth," he stated.However, the president's economic messaging faces headwinds from public sentiment data. A recent New York Times/Siena poll found only 32 percent of Americans believe the economy has improved over the past year, reflecting persistent concerns about cost-of-living pressures despite strong headline growth figures.Economic analysts note that while GDP growth has exceeded expectations, the benefits have been unevenly distributed. Moody's Analytics estimates that the top 10 percent of earners account for roughly half of all consumer spending, highlighting income inequality concerns that could influence voter sentiment.Trump dismissed Democratic criticism of affordability issues, claiming without evidence that his administration inherited "the highest inflation in history" and had successfully reduced grocery prices. The president warned that a Democratic victory in the midterms would jeopardize economic gains and tax reductions.The Iowa appearance underscores Trump's strategy of emphasizing economic achievements while navigating criticism over his immigration enforcement policies, as his administration seeks to maintain momentum heading into crucial midterm elections.Source: Al Jazeera
