As the US midterms approach, Trump’s boasts on the economy fall flat with voters

Donald Trump claims to have delivered "the greatest economy in history," but voters and economic data tell a different story as U.S. midterms approach. Inflation has risen to 3.4% from 3.0% under his predecessor Joe Biden, gas prices have jumped roughly 50% since military tensions with Iran escalated, and 73% of Americans rate the economy as fair or poor. Economic growth stands at 1.5% annually, well below historical standards, while consumer sentiment has plummeted to near its lowest level in 74 years amid high interest rates and trade uncertainty.

Trump attributes temporary disruptions to the Iran conflict while touting job growth and private investment. However, the unemployment rate at 4.1% remains higher than under several previous administrations. A New York Times/Siena poll found 71% of voters disapprove of Trump's handling of the cost of living, with prices for fuel oil, beef, coffee and electricity rising significantly faster than wages over the past year.