Trump Aims to Strengthen Economic Credentials with North Carolina Address

U.S. President Donald Trump traveled to Rocky Mount, North Carolina, on Friday in a strategic effort to reinforce his economic leadership as concerns grow over consumer confidence and his party’s prospects in the 2026 midterm elections.

With inflation and job market anxieties still prominent among voters, Trump delivered a forceful address emphasizing the progress he says his administration has made. He argued that key economic indicators are improving and framed current challenges as the lingering effects of policies from his Democratic predecessors.

Trump highlighted measures such as lower gasoline prices, the implementation of tariffs bringing new revenue into the U.S. Treasury, and increased foreign investment commitments that he says will spur future job creation. According to Trump, these actions lay the foundation for a renewed economic surge.

Despite these claims, a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll showed that only about one‑third of Americans approve of Trump’s handling of the economy, underlining a gap between the administration’s messaging and public sentiment.

The Consumer Price Index report for November offered mixed signals: while housing costs rose at the slowest pace in years and food prices showed modest gains, other essential expenses such as beef and electricity continued to climb.

Trump’s North Carolina remarks follow other recent public events, including a prime‑time Oval Office address and a rally in Pennsylvania, all designed to refocus national attention on economic themes ahead of a critical election year.