Trump Contrasts Real Wage Growth During His Administration and Biden’s Presidency, Criticizes Democratic Affordability Claims

President Trump Touts Economic Wins in Pennsylvania as Democrats Focus on Affordability

President Donald Trump emphasized his administration’s economic achievements during a nearly two-hour address at a casino resort in Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania on Tuesday night, pushing back against Democratic messaging on affordability that has proven effective in recent elections.

“They caused the high prices, and we’re bringing them down,” Trump told the crowd. “Lower prices, bigger paychecks – you’re getting lower prices, bigger paychecks, we’re getting inflation – we’re crushing it – and you’re getting much higher wages.”

The president’s Pennsylvania appearance comes as economic concerns continue to dominate political discourse heading into the midterm elections. Democrats have secured a string of electoral victories in 2025 by campaigning heavily on cost-of-living issues, prompting Republicans to recalibrate their economic messaging.

Despite Trump’s confident assessment of his economic performance – he told Politico he would give his economy an “A-plus-plus-plus-plus-plus” grade – polling suggests many Americans remain concerned about their financial situation. A November Fox News national survey found that 76% of voters view the economy negatively, up from 67% in July and 70% at the end of former President Joe Biden’s term.

Trump presented numerous statistics to support his economic claims, focusing particularly on wage growth. According to his figures, real wages “plummeted” by $3,000 under Biden, while under his second administration, typical factory workers have seen their real wages increase by $1,300, construction workers by over $1,800, and miners by $3,300.

The president highlighted decreasing costs of everyday goods, sharing comparative charts with the audience. Citing Walmart data, Trump claimed the cost of a full Thanksgiving meal is 25% cheaper under his administration than during Biden’s term, with turkey prices specifically down 33%. He also noted that egg prices have “dropped like a rock,” down 80% since March.

Energy policy featured prominently in Trump’s economic vision. “One of the most important ways we’re defeating inflation is by unleashing American energy, including oil, gas and clean beautiful coal,” he said, claiming that 22 states now have lower gas prices than at any point in the past seven years, with prices as low as $1.99 per gallon in three states.

Trump also touted lower mortgage rates, $18 trillion in new private investments compared to Biden’s “less than $1 trillion,” and a strong stock market performance as evidence of his administration’s economic success.

The president took aim at Democrats’ focus on affordability, saying, “I can’t say affordability hoax because I agree the prices were too high. I can’t call it a hoax because they’ll misconstrue that. But they use the word affordability and that’s their only word.” He added that Democrats talking about affordability “is like Bonnie and Clyde preaching about public safety.”

The economic messaging battle comes at a critical time as both parties position themselves ahead of the midterms. While Trump projects confidence in his economic policies, Democrats continue to emphasize cost-of-living concerns that have resonated with voters in recent elections.

Trump concluded by contrasting his policy approach with his opponents’, stating: “We don’t have to sell our policies to anyone, because they are the right policy.” He pointed to what he views as the stark difference between the two parties: “They gave you high prices. They gave you the highest inflation in history. And we’re giving you – we’re bringing those prices down rapidly.”

The Pennsylvania visit underscores the centrality of economic issues in the current political landscape, particularly in battleground states that could determine the outcome of upcoming elections.