If Republicans were hoping for a more empathetic and reasonable Trump, who was prepared to acknowledge many Americans continued to do it tough, and pledged to try even harder in 2026, they didn’t get it.
The closest he came was when he claimed – falsely – that the price of everything was falling rapidly “and it’s not done yet, but boy, are we making progress”.
The plaques offer a fawning summary of Trump’s achievements but disparaging comments about Joe Biden and Barack Obama.Credit: AP
In reality, US inflation is at 3 per cent, the same as it was when Biden bowed out in January, and trending upwards (though the Federal Reserve expects it to cool).
Another devastating Reuters/Ipsos poll this week found Trump’s approval rating had slumped to 39 per cent, with just a third of voters approving of his handling of the economy – a new low.
Economic management should be a natural area of strength for a billionaire who rose to national fame as a shrewd businessman, however mistaken that may have been.
But only 20 per cent of people think the country is “on the right track” when it comes to inflation, and 27 per cent for employment.
The plaques beneath a framed portrait in the space for Biden, which Trump had previously replaced with a picture of an autopen.Credit: AP
The fact that, nearly a year into the job, Trump felt the need to appear on prime-time TV for 20 minutes to tell Americans it was all the other guy’s fault, and assure them it’s going great now, tells you everything you need to know about where things stand politically.
One of Trump’s great assets in last year’s election was that he appeared more in touch with people’s real problems and worries, while the Democrats had become too associated with fringe concerns stemming from identity politics. Now, Trump risks being the one seen as divorced from reality.
Republican congressman Kevin Kiley told CNN immediately after the address that Trump hit the right subject matter but “I think we can do a better job of really empathising with what people are going through right now”.
Finding fault with your predecessor is a structural feature of electoral politics. Once in office, blaming your predecessor is a natural part of it, too. But there comes a time when that shtick wears thin.
The plaques below Obama’s portrait.Credit: AP
The question now, for Republicans more than anyone, is whether Trump has another gear to go to. The latest evidence would suggest not.
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