University of Kwazulu-Natal

Trump Defends Economic Record In North Carolina As Midterm Election

Bonisiwe Shabane
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trump defends economic record in north carolina as midterm election

U.S. President Donald Trump traveled to the battleground state of North Carolina on Friday to defend his economic policies and reassure voters that the U.S. economy remains on solid footing, as concerns grow ahead of a critical midterm election cycle that could threaten Republican control of Congress. Speaking to supporters in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, Trump highlighted the latest inflation data as evidence that his administration’s approach is working. He pointed to the Consumer Price Index report for November, which showed inflation rising 2.7% year over year, a figure he said was lower than expected. Trump told the crowd that the easing inflation trend validated his economic strategy, particularly after months of voter anxiety over rising costs.

Despite the upbeat message, economic headwinds persist. Prices for everyday goods remain elevated, unemployment has increased, and public confidence in Trump’s economic leadership has weakened. A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll found that only 33% of U.S. adults approve of how Trump has handled the economy, underscoring the political risks Republicans face heading into next year’s elections. Trump argued that the economy is on the verge of a strong rebound due to his policies, including tariffs that he says are generating billions of dollars for the U.S. Treasury and helping attract large-scale foreign investment.

He also claimed credit for lower gasoline prices and blamed Democrats for ongoing economic challenges faced by American households. Republican leaders are increasingly concerned that economic dissatisfaction could jeopardize their chances of retaining control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate in the upcoming elections. Democrats, meanwhile, contend that Trump has mismanaged the economy, an issue that was central to his most recent campaign. President Donald Trump arrives to speak at a campaign event, Friday, Dec.19, 2025, in Rocky Mount, N.C. Alex Brandon/Getty Images hide caption ROCKY MOUNT, N.C.

— President Trump spoke to a crowd of supporters in Rocky Mount, N.C. Friday night, capping off a week in which his administration has attempted to reassure Americans that the nation's economy is improving. The event was reminiscent of a campaign rally. Trump recalled his time in real estate when he used to visit North Carolina to purchase furniture for hotels and lobbies. "And I was here a lot," he said. "I mean you've been decimated but it's coming back now, because I put tariffs on, big tariffs actually."

The Trump administration recently placed tariffs on imported home furnishings, which Trump told the crowd will help revive North Carolina's furniture industry. He also said wages were going up under his administration and blamed the country's current economic woes on the policies of former President Joe Biden. Trump Hopes North Carolina Speech Will Bolster Standing on US Economy U.S. President Donald Trump reacts at Rocky Mount Event Center in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, U.S., December 19, 2025. REUTERS/Jessica Koscielniak

ROCKY MOUNT, North Carolina, Dec 19 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump ‌traveled ​to the "battleground" state of North Carolina on ‌Friday, seeking to convince Americans that his handling of the economy is sound ahead of a ​midterm election year that could spell... With prices increasing and unemployment up, Trump has his work cut out ‍for him. A Reuters/Ipsos poll released on ​Tuesday showed just 33% of U.S. adults approve of how Trump has handled the economy. Trump is set to argue that the U.S.

economy ​is poised for ⁠a surge due to his policies and that any problems they are experiencing are the fault of the Democrats. In a speech in North Carolina, President Donald Trump highlighted his administration's economic achievements, despite current challenges. Trump boasted about rising stock prices and a new pharmaceutical deal, positioning these as key successes ahead of the 2026 midterms. Trump insisted that economic hurdles were due to Democratic policies, while pointing to lowered gas prices and foreign investment as proof of his economic prowess. However, current polls show only a 33% approval rating for his economic management. The speech occurred as the political backdrop grows tense, with crucial elections determining control of Congress.

North Carolina's competitive races make it a focal point for both parties, with Trump aiming to secure Republican strongholds amid growing economic concerns. ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. — President Donald Trump made his closing argument of 2025 on Friday night by touting his record after 11 months back in office, stopping in a rural part of this swing state to urge... U.S. President Donald Trump delivers remarks during a rally at the Rocky Mount Event Center on Dec. 19, 2025 in Rocky Mount.

Trump spoke on his plans to lower the cost of staples, including gas and health care, while blaming the Biden administration for the economic challenges inherited by his administration. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images) President Donald Trump launched the opening salvo in North Carolina’s midterm elections Friday night at a speech in Rocky Mount, blasting Democratic Senate candidate Roy Cooper as “radical left” and praising Republican Michael Whatley. Speaking for more than an hour to a crowd of several hundred in Rocky Mount, Trump called Cooper a “disaster.” He condemned the former governor as weak on crime and blamed him for the... “People were sitting in the mud, but I helped rebuild your state, and I didn’t get any help from the Democrats,” Trump said. “Not your governor, not your man who’s running for Senate against Michael Whatley — who’s phenomenal.”

The president invoked the death of Iryna Zarutska, a Ukrainian refugee in Charlotte who was fatally stabbed on the city’s Blue Line transit system this summer — blaming Cooper for policies that led to... He also attacked Democrats over a subsequent stabbing on the same transit line earlier this month.

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U.S. President Donald Trump traveled to the battleground state of North Carolina on Friday to defend his economic policies and reassure voters that the U.S. economy remains on solid footing, as concerns grow ahead of a critical midterm election cycle that could threaten Republican control of Congress. Speaking to supporters in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, Trump highlighted the latest inflation dat...

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Despite the upbeat message, economic headwinds persist. Prices for everyday goods remain elevated, unemployment has increased, and public confidence in Trump’s economic leadership has weakened. A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll found that only 33% of U.S. adults approve of how Trump has handled the economy, underscoring the political risks Republicans face heading into next year’s elections. Trump argue...

He Also Claimed Credit For Lower Gasoline Prices And Blamed

He also claimed credit for lower gasoline prices and blamed Democrats for ongoing economic challenges faced by American households. Republican leaders are increasingly concerned that economic dissatisfaction could jeopardize their chances of retaining control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate in the upcoming elections. Democrats, meanwhile, contend that Trump has mismanaged the e...

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— President Trump spoke to a crowd of supporters in Rocky Mount, N.C. Friday night, capping off a week in which his administration has attempted to reassure Americans that the nation's economy is improving. The event was reminiscent of a campaign rally. Trump recalled his time in real estate when he used to visit North Carolina to purchase furniture for hotels and lobbies. "And I was here a lot," ...

The Trump Administration Recently Placed Tariffs On Imported Home Furnishings,

The Trump administration recently placed tariffs on imported home furnishings, which Trump told the crowd will help revive North Carolina's furniture industry. He also said wages were going up under his administration and blamed the country's current economic woes on the policies of former President Joe Biden. Trump Hopes North Carolina Speech Will Bolster Standing on US Economy U.S. President Don...