According to Fortune, President Donald Trump declared at the America Business Forum that “we have the greatest economy right now” while admitting “a lot of people don’t see that.” He made these comments on the one-year anniversary of his election victory, just after Republicans suffered losses in Virginia and New Jersey where economic concerns dominated voter sentiment. Trump specifically pointed to declining egg and gas prices, claimed crypto is “not under siege anymore,” and referenced his regulatory policy of eliminating ten existing regulations for every new one. The event featured business executives, global athletes including Serena Williams and Lionel Messi, and was primarily sponsored by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund. Trump also confirmed the ongoing government shutdown was “negative for the Republicans” amid an AP Voter Poll survey showing widespread voter anxiety about prices and jobs.
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The reality check
Here’s the thing: when politicians start saying people “don’t see” how great things are, that’s usually a sign they’re losing the messaging war. Trump‘s comments echo exactly what the Biden administration used to say – that they just needed to “better communicate” economic accomplishments. But maybe the problem isn’t communication. Maybe it’s that actual voters in actual elections are feeling something different in their bank accounts and grocery bills.
The global stage
Trump’s speech came fresh off a five-day Asia trip where he worked to ease trade tensions with China and promoted U.S. energy and tech projects. He’s positioning himself as a global dealmaker while pursuing his “America First” agenda abroad. The timing is interesting – international diplomacy while domestic economic concerns are clearly weighing on voters’ minds. It’s almost like he’s trying to change the subject from kitchen-table issues to global statesmanship.
Miami connections
The location choice here matters too. Miami is becoming a Trump hub – he’s planning to host next year’s G20 at his Doral golf club and wants to build his presidential library there. There’s also the World Cup connection, with FIFA President Gianni Infantino scheduled to speak at the same forum. So when Trump talks economy in Miami, he’s also talking about his business interests and legacy projects in a city that’s becoming central to his political and personal brand.
Is it really a messaging problem?
Look, when both Trump and his predecessor are saying the same thing about “communication” being the issue, maybe we should consider that the problem isn’t how the message is delivered. Maybe the message itself doesn’t match people’s lived experience. Voters in Tuesday’s elections made it pretty clear they’re worried about affordability and economic security. No amount of futuristic stage designs or celebrity appearances can change that fundamental disconnect.
