Campaign Speech in North Carolina
During a Friday evening address in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, President Donald Trump aimed to convince the public of his administration's progress in lowering costs and strengthening the economy. However, his remarks frequently diverged into unrelated topics.
Facing increasing pressure to prove that his policies are making essentials like groceries more affordable, Trump is intensifying efforts to showcase results. Recent polls indicate voter dissatisfaction with economic conditions, with many blaming the president for insufficient action.
In a bid to prevent losses in next year's congressional midterms, Trump recently gave a rare primetime address to shift perceptions of a weak economy.
Economic Claims and Drug Price Deal
"We're fixing four years of disaster and decline," Trump stated at the event center in eastern North Carolina, a key battleground state for Republicans aiming to retain a Senate seat in 2026.
He asserted, "We were a dead country, and now we're talking about the golden age of America — think of it, in 10 months."
Trump highlighted his negotiation tactics, claiming they benefit Americans struggling with prescription drug costs. He recounted threatening French President Emmanuel Macron with a 25% tariff to secure a new drug pricing agreement that would reduce U.S. expenses. "I said if you don't do it I'm going to charge you a 25% tariff on everything you sell to America," Trump said.
Earlier that day, Trump announced a deal with nine pharmaceutical companies to lower drug prices for Medicaid recipients and cash-paying customers, contrasting with insurance-based purchases.
A sign behind him read "Lower Prices, Bigger Paychecks," underscoring his economic message.
Diversions and Personal Remarks
The 90-minute appearance also included Trump criticizing Representatives Ilhan Omar and Marjorie Taylor Greene, and mentioning his 2016 opponent, Hillary Clinton. "She was smart, but she was nasty," Trump told the crowd. "I wouldn't want to go home to her. She was nasty. Remember, she was a nasty person. I was going to use the B-word," he added, noting he refrained due to potential objections from First Lady Melania Trump.
Trump addressed speculation about his health, stating he is in good condition and has passed cognitive tests. "Now, there will be a time when perhaps I won't be 100%," said the 79-year-old president. "True with all of us. And when that time comes, I will let you know about it and in fact, you will probably find out about it just by watching. But that time is not now, because I feel the same that I felt for 50 years."
Ongoing Controversies
Trump expressed lingering anger over the 2022 FBI search for classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago home. "They went into my wife's closet," he said, accusing agents of leaving "a mess." He sued the government over the search and noted the irony of potentially settling the case, musing about keeping the money but indicating he would donate it to charity. "But isn't that a strange position to be in? I've got to make a deal and negotiate with myself," he remarked.
Recent distractions have complicated his economic messaging. This week, Trump suggested on social media that film director Rob Reiner was killed due to contempt for him, a claim rejected by fellow Republicans. Additionally, workers attached Trump's name to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, upsetting the Kennedy family.
The release of Jeffrey Epstein investigation files by the Department of Justice on Friday, under a deadline set by legislation Trump signed, continues to cast a shadow over his term.
Political Context and Advice
Democrats plan to emphasize affordability in midterm campaigns, following successful gubernatorial races this year. Some Republicans urge Trump to maintain a sharp focus on cost reduction.
Mark Mitchell, head pollster at Rasmussen Reports, who briefed Trump and White House officials last month, observed, "His message on affordability a month was, don't tell me about affordability; it's a hoax; Biden caused this." Mitchell added, "You can see they're trying to change their tune a little bit: talking about housing, saying they're going to rebuild the American dream. But we're looking at 320 days until the midterms, and my advice was you really need to show America that Republicans and Trump can govern together and address the really deep problems."
