President Trump, staring down criticism that he's prioritized global issues over pocketbook worries, next week will kick off a year of heavy stateside travel that's focused on selling his economic agenda ahead of the midterms.
Why it matters: Trump's approval rating has sunk as he has pursued peace deals around the globe and "narco-terrorists" in the Caribbean, while Americans have become more pessimistic about affording a better life.
- With Republicans in danger of losing control of the House next November, Trump needs to be a lift — not a drag — in tough districts if the GOP is to defy powerful historic trends and keep its majority.
Trump's new push begins Tuesday in the vital battleground of northeastern Pennsylvania.
- We're told the president will aggressively push back against criticism over the cost of everyday essentials — an issue that helped propel him to victory over Kamala Harris last year.
Zoom in: The president's growing irritation over how voters view his economic agenda has been bubbling over in his public remarks. He has repeatedly insisted prices are coming down, and has called Democrats' focus on affordability a "hoax" and "con job."
- He's floated several proposals to try to address cost-of-living concerns, including $2,000 tariff rebate checks and 50-year mortgages.
Between the lines: White House aides see Trump as the Republican Party's best salesman — and its best chance to reverse falling poll numbers for both the president and his party.
- Trump is expected to use Tuesday's event to highlight what he's done to help the economy during his second term in office.
But aides privately acknowledge that there's more to be done to address cost-of-living concerns — and say that on his trip, Trump also will preview upcoming plans.
- After the Pennsylvania appearance, Trump may hold another event this month, according to a person familiar with his plans. Additional events are expected after New Year's Day.
The big picture: Republicans acknowledge the economy — specifically, high prices — will be the defining issue of the November 2026 elections.
- Trump has faced criticism — including from Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), a former top ally — that he's not doing enough to address rising costs.
The GOP suffered big losses in last month's Virginia and New Jersey governor's races, with Democratic candidates focusing on affordability. In the New York City mayor's race, democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani centered his winning campaign on affordability.
- And in a special election this week to fill a U.S. House seat in Tennessee, Trump-backed Republican Matt Van Epps won — but only by single digits in a district Trump had won by 22 points a year ago. The race's main focus: the economy.
