Trump says he’s fixing affordability problems. He’ll test out that message at a rally

President Trump shifted his economic messaging from the Oval Office to the campaign trail Tuesday, holding a rally in Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania to address what he describes as his efforts to tackle Americans’ affordability concerns.

The visit comes amid persistent polling showing public skepticism about Trump’s economic leadership. Following disappointing Republican results in last month’s off-cycle elections, the White House has intensified efforts to convince voters that economic conditions will improve next year and that current inflation worries aren’t connected to the president’s policies.

Trump has consistently pointed to his predecessor, Joe Biden, as responsible for inflation, despite evidence that his own aggressive policy implementation has contributed to rising prices. Notably, inflation began accelerating after Trump announced his sweeping “Liberation Day” tariffs in April. Business leaders warned these import taxes could lead to higher consumer prices and reduced hiring, yet Trump maintains that inflation is subsiding.

“We’re bringing prices way down,” Trump declared at the White House on Monday. “You can call it ‘affordability’ or anything you want — but the Democrats caused the affordability problem and we’re the ones that are fixing it.”

His reception in Monroe County could indicate whether voters accept this narrative. The county flipped to Trump in the 2024 election after supporting Biden in 2020, contributing to Trump’s victory in the crucial swing state of Pennsylvania and his return to the White House.

Monroe County, home to the Pocono Mountains, has traditionally relied on tourism for economic stability. Its skiing, hiking, hunting, and other outdoor activities provide significant employment. The region’s proximity to New York City—less than two hours by car—has also attracted residents seeking more affordable housing options compared to metropolitan areas.

The area holds particular significance for the upcoming midterm elections that will determine control of the House of Representatives. Trump’s rally is taking place in freshman Republican Rep. Rob Bresnahan’s district, who narrowly won his 2024 race by approximately 1.5 percentage points, making him a prime Democratic target. Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti, a Democrat, is pursuing her party’s nomination to challenge him.

White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles revealed on the conservative talk show “The Mom View” that Trump plans to be heavily involved in the midterm campaign cycle, contrary to traditional presidential approaches.

“We’re actually going to turn that on its head,” Wiles explained, referring to the common strategy of keeping presidents at arm’s length during midterms. “And put him on the ballot because so many of those low-propensity voters are Trump voters.” She added, “So I haven’t quite broken it to him yet, but he’s going to campaign like it’s 2024 again.”

The president has promoted several initiatives he claims will provide economic relief, including relaxing fuel efficiency standards for automobiles and negotiating agreements to reduce prescription drug list prices. He has also advocated for significant cuts to the Federal Reserve’s benchmark interest rate, arguing this would lower mortgage and auto loan costs. Critics, however, warn that cuts of the magnitude Trump seeks could potentially worsen inflation rather than alleviate it.

While the U.S. economy has demonstrated resilience with a strong stock market and solid third-quarter growth, many Americans continue to struggle with the rising costs of housing, groceries, education, electricity, and other essentials. The Trump administration has suggested these pressures will ease next year as investments in artificial intelligence and manufacturing take effect.

Since November’s elections, where Democrats won key races by focusing on economic concerns, Trump has frequently dismissed inflation worries as a “hoax” and “con job,” rejecting any responsibility despite having campaigned on his ability to quickly reduce prices. Only 33% of U.S. adults approve of Trump’s handling of the economy, according to a November survey by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

This Pennsylvania rally marks Trump’s attempt to directly connect with voters on economic issues in a region that helped secure his return to the White House but remains politically competitive heading into the crucial midterm election cycle.