Fact Check: Did Donald Trump say those struggling in this economy are ‘losers'?
WASHINGTON, DC: Amid criticism and pressure on the Trump administration over inflation and rising gas prices, an allegation began circulating on social media platforms claiming that President Donald Trump said that those struggling in this economy are losers. The claim has sparked a backlash and speculation about its authenticity, requiring a fact-check.
Claim: Donald Trump said those struggling in the economy are 'losers'
The claim spread in the form of a video claiming to show a reporter asking Trump, “What do you say to those who are struggling to afford gas, groceries, diesel?"
The post then quoted Trump as saying, “You're losers. It's the greatest. If you're struggling in this economy, you're a loser.”
The video has garnered more than half a million views as of this writing and was shared as a criticism of the president and his administration, indicating many believe the claim is authentic. A few others remain skeptical and have called for a fact-check.
Fact Check: Donald Trump said no such remark
The claim, however, is false, as there is no evidence to establish that the president said that those who are struggling in this economy are losers.
Although Trump was heard saying, “We have the greatest economy in the history of our country,” the video does not include a statement where he called people ‘losers.’
The user who posted the video clarified in a follow-up post, stating, “There are no quotes around the Trump comment. But listen to his answer. He says this is the greatest economy in the history of the world. Which means, if you can't thrive in the best economy ever, you've gotta be a loser because it's so easy.”
If Trump had made those controversial comments, prominent news outlets would have widely covered it, making headlines, but a search on Google for the quote yielded no results.
Donald Trump says he failed to explain economic strength
Trump recently admitted that he has struggled to get his message across about the strength of the country’s economy, as voters continue to slam him for rising gas prices and the approaching November midterm elections.
"I've done a very bad job of explaining how good the country is doing," Trump said, insisting that "the country's doing better than it has ever done."
Trump said that the party in power usually loses congressional seats in the first election after the presidential election and urged his supporters to turn out to vote, stating, "We have to turn this around."
