Title: An Analysis of President Trump’s Address to the Nation: Economic Promises, Blame-Shifting, and the Road to the 2026 Midterm Elections
Abstract:
On December 17, 2025, US President Donald Trump delivered an address to the nation, promising an economic boom and blaming his Democratic predecessor, Joe Biden, for the current high prices that have eroded his popularity. This paper provides an in-depth analysis of Trump’s speech, exploring the economic context, the impact of his tariffs, and the implications of his policies on the upcoming 2026 midterm elections. We examine the president’s claims, the reactions of economists and voters, and the potential consequences of his actions on the US economy and his own political fortunes.
Introduction:
President Trump’s address to the nation marked the end of his first year back in power, a period characterized by a whirlwind of presidential actions, including a crackdown on migration and the targeting of political opponents. The speech was billed as an opportunity for Trump to set out his economic agenda for the rest of his second term, but it largely consisted of attacks on familiar targets, including Biden, Democrats, and migrants. This paper aims to dissect the economic promises, blame-shifting, and political maneuvering in Trump’s speech, situating them within the broader context of the US economy and the upcoming midterm elections.
The Economic Context:
The US economy has faced significant challenges in recent months, including lackluster hiring, stagnant wage growth, and rising prices. The latest jobs report showed that employers added 64,000 jobs in November, thanks to health care hiring and construction employment, but manufacturers shed jobs for a seventh straight month. The inflation problem has dogged both Trump and his predecessor, Biden, with experts attributing it partly to the tariffs imposed on trading partners around the world. Trump’s tariffs have contributed to higher prices for some goods, although the overall impact has been less severe than forecasters predicted earlier in the year.
Trump’s Economic Promises:
In his address, Trump promised that the US is “poised for an economic boom the likes of which the world has never seen” in 2026, when the country will co-host the FIFA World Cup with Canada and Mexico. He claimed that prices of gas and groceries are “falling rapidly” and that his tariffs are delivering economic gains and luring investment in domestic manufacturing. However, his speech offered a muddled message on price levels, acknowledging ongoing inflation while asserting that wage growth is outpacing price increases. Trump also announced a surprise “warrior dividend” bonus for 1.45 million US military service members, paid for with revenues raised from tariffs.
Blame-Shifting and Political Maneuvering:
Trump’s speech was notable for its blame-shifting, with the president repeatedly attacking Biden, Democrats, and migrants for the economic challenges facing the US. He claimed that he “inherited a mess” and is “fixing it,” despite being in office for over a year. This rhetoric is consistent with Trump’s longstanding strategy of deflecting criticism and shifting blame to his opponents. The president’s team has faced criticism from his Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement for focusing on foreign policy issues, such as peace deals in Ukraine and Gaza, instead of domestic concerns.
Implications for the 2026 Midterm Elections:
The 2026 midterm elections are already looming, with control of Congress hanging in the balance. Trump’s approval ratings have taken a hit, with 57% of Americans disapproving of his handling of the economy in a recent PBS News/NPR/Marist poll. A YouGov poll published on December 16 showed that 52% of Americans think the economy is getting worse under Trump. The president’s team has responded by ramping up his domestic travel to push his economic message, with Trump promising to “make America affordable again” in a recent speech in Pennsylvania.
Conclusion:
President Trump’s address to the nation was a characteristic mix of economic promises, blame-shifting, and political maneuvering. While the president’s claims of an impending economic boom and falling prices may resonate with some voters, they are unlikely to convince economists and experts who point to the ongoing challenges facing the US economy. As the 2026 midterm elections approach, Trump’s approval ratings and the performance of the US economy will be crucial in determining the outcome. The president’s ability to deliver on his economic promises and shift the narrative away from his divisive rhetoric will be essential in maintaining Republican control of Congress and securing his own political legacy.
References:
PBS News/NPR/Marist poll (2025)
YouGov poll (2025)
US Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025)
Trump, D. (2025). Address to the Nation. The White House.
Biden, J. (2025). Statement on the Economy. The White House.