Trump Promotes His Achievements in a Rare Evening Speech from the White House

In a rare evening speech delivered from the White House, U.S. President Donald Trump sought to defend his economic policies and promote what he described as the achievements of his administration, at a time when opinion polls show a decline in his popularity and rising concerns among Americans about the cost of living, ahead of a highly anticipated midterm election.

Trump said in a speech that lasted less than 20 minutes and was broadcast during prime time on Wednesday evening: "Eleven months ago, I inherited a state of chaos, and I am working to fix it," blaming his Democratic predecessor Joe Biden for rising prices and economic challenges, as well as what he described as bad trade deals and the consequences of immigration.

Although he acknowledged that prices remain high, Trump asserted that the country is "preparing for economic prosperity," considering concerns about inflation as "a scare tactic promoted by the Democrats." He praised his administration's efforts to reduce the number of illegal immigrants and achieve a decrease in the prices of some goods.

The speech did not include broad new policy initiatives, except for Trump's announcement of issuing checks worth $1,776 to about 1.45 million U.S. soldiers, a figure symbolizing the year the United States declared independence.

He also supported a Republican proposal to provide direct cash payments to families to compensate for health insurance costs, instead of providing support through the "Obamacare" program, a proposal that has not yet gained sufficient support in Congress.

Trump boasted about attracting new investments worth $18 trillion, pledged to significantly reduce drug prices, and renewed his defense of protectionist policies, describing tariffs as his "favorite word," despite the economic uncertainty and price increases they cause, according to his critics.

The U.S. president also harshly attacked immigrants, considering that many economic and social difficulties are due to what he called an "invasion" of immigrants during Biden's tenure, and praised policies of mass deportation and tightening immigration restrictions.

However, the speech was met with skepticism from Trump's opponents. Senate Democratic Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said the president "lives in a bubble separate from the reality Americans face daily," pointing to continued high prices and unemployment.

Opinion polls reflect these concerns, as a Reuters/Ipsos poll showed that only 33% of Americans approve of Trump's handling of the economy, while another poll indicated that more than 60% of Americans believe the economic situation does not serve them.

These developments come as Republicans seek to maintain control of both the House and Senate in the 2026 midterm elections, amid signs of Democratic gains in several recent local elections.

In an attempt to reassure voters, U.S. administration officials called for patience, considering that the effects of new investments will later be reflected in the labor market, while Trump and his deputy JD Vance intensified their field efforts to rally support in swing states.