Trump admits he’s done a ‘very bad job’ selling US economic record as midterms approach

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump admitted that he has struggled to get his message across about the strength of the US economy, as voters continue to give him little credit, particularly amid rising gas prices and the approaching November midterm elections.

He made the remarks while addressing a friendly crowd at the White House during a Hispanic Heritage Month event.

Trump is now preparing for a 32-day campaign sprint to support Republican candidates ahead of the November 3 elections, which will determine control of Congress.

Trump admits struggle to sell US economic gains

"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 acknowledged that the party in power typically loses congressional seats in the first election following a presidential election and urged his supporters to turn out to vote.

"We have to turn this around," he said.

Despite Trump's efforts to highlight the strength of the economy, polls indicate that many Americans remain dissatisfied with his handling of economic issues.

His approval ratings have declined, partly amid criticism of his global tariff policies and the ongoing war with Iran, both of which have contributed to rising energy prices.

The Conference Board reported that US consumer confidence had fallen to its lowest level in nearly 12 and a half years.

Consumers expect business conditions and the job market to deteriorate further over the next six months. Although hiring increased in August following a slow summer, concerns about job prospects persist.

Meanwhile, rising home prices and mortgage rates are adding to the financial pressures facing many families.

Trump launches midterm campaign push for Republicans

The Republican Party is pouring millions of dollars into congressional races that were once considered safe but are now viewed as competitive, as voters grow increasingly concerned about the economic fallout of the war with Iran.

"We're not getting the word out," Trump said, referring to what he believes has been his strong stewardship of the economy.

"I'm going out because nobody's selling it. We're doing ​an extremely poor job of ‌promotion, and an extremely great job of running the country. But we'll get the ​word out. It should not be hard."

Trump's upcoming travel schedule reflects the importance Republicans are placing on the midterm elections.

He is scheduled to visit Texas and Oklahoma on Thursday, October 1, followed by stops in Alabama on Friday, October 2, and Ohio on Saturday, October 3.

His remarks highlight the strategy behind his campaign travel: to improve public perception of the economy through a more aggressive personal outreach effort before voters head to the polls, even as consumer confidence data continues to indicate widespread economic concerns.