President Trump’s Interim Message to Highlight Economy

Marcus Lemonis, host of “The Fixer,” joined “Fox & Friends” to discuss President Donald Trump’s upcoming national tour, which is aimed at addressing economic concerns as polls reveal many Americans feel that prices are increasingly unaffordable. This comes amidst the backdrop of contentious midterm elections.

Earlier this month, Trump shared on social media that he had “the best poll numbers I’ve ever received.” He remarked, “Clearly, people like strong, powerful countries with the best economies in history!” However, polling numbers indicate a different reality. On the day he delivers his annual State of the Union address, various national surveys show his approval ratings are largely negative.

The latest Fox News poll from last month indicates the president’s approval sits at 44%, with 56% of respondents disapproving of his presidency. An ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll, conducted from February 12-17 and released recently, showed support at 39% among all adults and 41% among registered voters. Generally, the average from recent polls over the last month keeps his approval in the low 40s and disapproval around the mid 50s.

Trump began his second term in a stronger position, but his ratings dipped into negative numbers around March of the previous year and have gradually declined since then. These recent polls reveal stark partisan divisions; while he retains solid support from Republicans, independents show significant disapproval, as do Democrats.

Daron Shaw, a seasoned Republican pollster, noted that Republican support persists, but opposition has intensified, particularly among Democrats. Concerns over inflation helped Trump and the GOP gain a substantial victory in the 2024 elections, reclaiming the White House and Senate.

During a campaign event last week in Rome, Georgia, Trump stated, “We had record inflation, and we don’t have that anymore.” He also indicated he would deliver the State of the Union address soon, inviting people to tune in and discuss the economy further.

However, his economic approval ratings are slightly below his overall approval figures. Democrats claim their success in the November 2025 elections, as well as other recent electoral contests, stemmed from a focus on affordability amid ongoing inflation.

Studies, including the latest Fox News Poll, reveal a general pessimism among Americans regarding the economy, with many feeling it has not improved during Trump’s second term. Shaw mentioned that the notion of inflation being too high and the economy not progressing is difficult for Trump to counter.

Conversely, Democrats have faced challenges with their polling numbers, as their overall approval ratings fell to record lows last year, a trend that appears to have continued into the current year.

Trump’s upcoming address to Congress occurs just over eight months before the midterm elections, which are crucial for Republicans to maintain their slim majority in the House and control of the Senate. Recently, Trump’s political team held a strategy session with cabinet members and aides to discuss approaches for effectively communicating his policies to voters ahead of these elections.

Tony Fabrizio, Trump’s chief pollster, emphasized that the economy is a leading concern for voters and urged the White House to prioritize affordability in its messaging. An aide noted, “Team Trump will deploy every resource necessary to win the midterm elections, protect the majority, and ensure President Trump continues to deliver results for America’s working families.”

Despite the president’s overall approval ratings, he remains a popular figure among Republicans. Many believe he is key to mobilizing low-propensity MAGA voters who may not vote without him on the ballot in the midterms.

Republican National Committee Chairman Joe Gruters stated that Trump serves as the party’s “secret weapon,” capable of defying historical trends in the upcoming elections. Gruters highlighted the need to energize their base, acknowledging that no one could do it better than President Trump.