Trump Focuses on Inflation in Pennsylvania Speech, Shifts to Immigration/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump, during an economic speech in Pennsylvania, claimed inflation is no longer a major issue while criticizing immigration from what he described as “filthy” and “crime-ridden” countries. The remarks reignited past controversies and overshadowed his economic message aimed at struggling voters. Despite rising costs, Trump maintains his administration is lowering prices, though many Americans remain skeptical.
Quick Look:
- Event: Trump economic speech in Mount Pocono, PA
- Main Topics: Inflation, immigration, 2026 midterms
- Controversy: Remarks about immigrants from “s—hole countries”
- Voter Impact: Mixed reactions on affordability and Trump’s credibility
- Midterm Strategy: Trump to hold frequent rallies to energize base
Trump Focuses on Inflation in Pennsylvania Speech, Then Shifts to Controversial Immigration Remarks
Deep Look
MOUNT POCONO, Pa. — President Donald Trump delivered a speech on the economy in Pennsylvania on Tuesday, aiming to reassure voters about rising prices and affordability concerns. However, the address quickly shifted from inflation to controversial immigration rhetoric, echoing remarks from his first term that sparked international backlash.
Speaking at a White House-sponsored event at the Mount Airy Casino Resort in Monroe County, Trump insisted that inflation is no longer a pressing issue and accused Democrats of manufacturing a crisis around affordability to damage his political standing.
“Affordability is a hoax,” Trump said, claiming that prices are falling and that his administration is restoring economic stability. “I have no higher priority than making America affordable again.”
But while emphasizing his economic message, the president reignited a previous controversy by criticizing immigrants from what he called “hellholes” and asking why the U.S. doesn’t attract more people from countries like Norway or Sweden.
“Why is it we only take people from s—hole countries?” Trump asked the crowd. “Why can’t we have some people from Norway, Sweden, just a few?”
He added that countries like Afghanistan, Haiti, and Somalia were “filthy, dirty, disgusting, ridden with crime,” triggering renewed condemnation from immigrant advocacy groups and some members of Congress.
Inflation Still a Top Concern in Pennsylvania
Trump’s comments came as his administration tries to defend its economic policies ahead of next year’s midterm elections. Despite Trump’s assertion that inflation is fading, many Americans, especially in swing areas like Monroe County, report that prices for food, housing, and energy remain high.
Monroe County flipped to Trump in 2024 after supporting President Joe Biden in 2020, and it remains a key battleground that could decide control of the House in 2026. Trump held his event in a district currently represented by freshman Republican Rob Bresnahan, who is facing a challenge from Democrat Paige Cognetti, the mayor of Scranton.
“I’m not sure food prices will ever come down,” said Lou Heddy, a 72-year-old retired maintenance worker and Trump voter. “They keep going up, and we just have to adjust.”
Democratic voter Suzanne Vena blamed Trump’s tariff policies for increased prices. “I live on a fixed income, and everything costs more now — food, rent, utilities,” she said. “Trump said he would stop inflation. That didn’t happen.”
Despite voter skepticism, the White House has continued to tout signs of economic recovery, pointing to rising GDP and steady job growth. Trump’s team says that new investments in domestic manufacturing and AI will ease cost pressures in 2026.
Trump Defends Strikes, Urges Spending Cuts
During the event, Trump also addressed recent military actions in the Caribbean, defending his administration’s controversial boat strikes targeting suspected drug smuggling operations. These operations have faced bipartisan scrutiny after one mission resulted in the deaths of two survivors who had been clinging to wreckage after the initial strike.
Separately, Trump emphasized the need for American consumers to reduce foreign spending, particularly on non-essential goods.
“You don’t need 37 dolls for your daughter,” Trump told the crowd. “Two or three is nice.”
He encouraged Americans to purchase fewer overseas-made items like pencils and toys to reduce dependency on imports and strengthen U.S. industries such as steel.
White House Eyes Midterms With More Trump Events
The event had all the hallmarks of a campaign rally, though it was billed as an official White House appearance. Trump’s Chief of Staff Susie Wiles confirmed that the president plans to travel extensively in 2026 to help mobilize supporters.
“Most administrations sit out the midterms — we’re doing the opposite,” Wiles said in a recent podcast appearance. “Low-propensity voters are Trump voters. We’re putting him on the ballot again.”
Still, voter fatigue may be setting in. Nick Riley, 38, said he voted for Trump in 2020 but sat out the 2024 election and plans to skip 2026 as well.
“We’re all broke,” he said. “It doesn’t matter whether you support Republicans or Democrats. We’re all feeling it.”
Approval Numbers Reflect Economic Unease
While Trump insists the economy is booming, public sentiment tells a different story. A recent Associated Press-NORC poll found that just 33% of U.S. adults approve of Trump’s handling of the economy.
The president’s challenge now lies in balancing his claims of success with the lived experiences of voters who continue to struggle with everyday costs. As Trump leans further into campaign-style rhetoric and controversial messaging, the political consequences remain uncertain — especially in swing districts like those in Pennsylvania.
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