Donald Trump Gives Himself High Marks on Economy: ‘A+++++’/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump rated his economic performance at the top level and defended recent military boat strikes amid rising bipartisan scrutiny. He travels to Pennsylvania today to promote his administration’s affordability message as Americans continue to report financial strain. Trump also urged Ukraine to accept difficult terms to end the war and criticized European allies as weakened by immigration pressures.
Trump Economy Message and Boat Strike Defense: Quick Look
- Trump graded his economic performance “A‑plus‑plus‑plus‑plus‑plus,” despite persistent affordability concerns among Americans.
- He will speak in Pennsylvania tonight on the cost of living and his administration’s inflation strategy.
- Trump defended U.S. military boat strikes targeting alleged drug traffickers, calling the video “not pretty” but necessary.
- Top administration officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, will brief the Gang of Eight on the strikes amid bipartisan demands for footage.
- Trump said Ukraine must “start accepting things” to end the war, claiming Russia holds leverage in negotiations.
- He criticized European nations as “decaying” and weakened by immigration, reiterating skepticism toward traditional allies.
- GOP lawmakers defended Trump’s economic policies, saying tariffs and manufacturing efforts aim to create affordability.
- Senate Republicans warned they must present a health care subsidy plan or risk blame for soaring premiums ahead of the 2026 elections.
Trump Defends Economy and Drug Interdiction Efforts Ahead of Pennsylvania Visit
Deep Look
President Donald Trump on Tuesday strongly defended his handling of the economy, giving himself top marks and vowing to continue his fight to reduce the cost of living for American families. He also doubled down on his controversial approach to drug interdiction and suggested Ukraine should accept terms to end its ongoing war with Russia.
Trump Grades Himself “A-Plus” on the Economy
In a new interview, President Trump gave his administration an “A-plus-plus-plus-plus-plus” rating for its management of the economy. His remarks come as millions of Americans continue to feel the pinch from persistent inflation and high prices at the grocery store and gas pump.
Trump is scheduled to deliver remarks on the economy Tuesday evening in Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania. The speech is part of a broader effort by the White House to promote what it calls progress on affordability and job growth under his second-term policies.
A White House official said the president will highlight how the administration has prioritized ending what it calls “Joe Biden’s inflation crisis” and creating a more affordable environment for families and businesses.
Before the speech, Trump will attend a private Christmas reception hosted by Vice President JD Vance. The event is closed to the press.
GOP Lawmakers Back Trump’s Economic Record
Republican lawmakers, including Pennsylvania Rep. Dan Meuser, defended Trump’s economic policies ahead of his visit.
Meuser pointed to recent data showing grocery prices have only increased 1.4% since Trump returned to office—a figure he called “pretty good” given recent inflationary trends.
“Everything that we do is about creating affordability,” Meuser said. “From tariffs to tax policy, the president’s actions are focused on putting more money in Americans’ pockets.”
Still, Meuser acknowledged that many Americans remain skeptical about the direction of the economy, suggesting that restoring consumer confidence is the next hurdle for the administration.
Trump Defends Military Strikes on Drug Boats
Trump also addressed growing bipartisan pressure to release video footage from recent U.S. military strikes on alleged drug trafficking vessels. The president said the footage from one of the strikes was “not pretty,” but insisted the actions were justified and necessary to stop the flow of illegal drugs into the United States.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and other senior administration officials are expected to brief congressional leaders—the so-called “Gang of Eight”—on the situation later today.
The strike has sparked criticism from some lawmakers demanding transparency, but Trump stood firm, arguing that aggressive tactics are needed to dismantle transnational criminal organizations and protect American communities.
Trump Urges Ukraine to Accept Peace Terms
On foreign policy, Trump once again questioned the U.S. commitment to Ukraine, suggesting that President Volodymyr Zelensky should “start accepting things” in negotiations with Russia to bring an end to the war.
“Russia is in a stronger position right now. That’s just reality,” Trump said, emphasizing his belief that European allies have become “decaying nations” weakened by uncontrolled immigration.
He did not elaborate on the specific terms he believes Ukraine should accept but hinted that his administration is working behind the scenes on potential proposals.
GOP Struggles Over Health Care Policy Ahead of Key Vote
While Trump promotes his economic record, Republican senators are scrambling to avoid political fallout from the expiration of enhanced tax credits under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). A Democratic bill to extend the subsidies is expected to come up for a vote Thursday but is likely to fail without bipartisan support.
Several GOP senators warned that without a clear alternative, Republicans risk being blamed for a spike in health insurance costs heading into the 2026 midterms.
Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina urged his colleagues to coalesce around a realistic plan.
“We need a solution for the subsidies and a ramp down,” Tillis said. “We’ve got a couple of proposals getting to the right place, but we have to have something viable to vote on.”
Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley added that inaction was not an option.
“Health insurance is already too expensive. If premiums go up 50 or 100 percent, that’s unacceptable,” Hawley said. “People in my state will not be able to afford basic care.”
South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham opposed any extension of the current ACA subsidies, arguing instead for a more fundamental overhaul of the health care system.
“I’m concerned about extending a program that’s never going to produce quality results,” Graham said, renewing calls for Republicans to find a long-term alternative to the ACA.
Looking Ahead
Trump’s speech in Pennsylvania is expected to set the tone for how his administration addresses concerns about affordability and economic uncertainty heading into an election year. With key legislative issues like health care subsidies hanging in the balance, and international conflicts ongoing, the president faces continued pressure to deliver tangible solutions while maintaining public support.
Key Points:
- Trump rates his own economic performance an “A-plus-plus-plus-plus-plus.”
- Scheduled to deliver remarks on the cost of living Tuesday evening in Pennsylvania.
- Defends military strikes on drug boats as necessary.
- Urges Ukraine to make concessions to end war with Russia.
- GOP senators voice concern over lack of health care alternative ahead of ACA subsidy vote.
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