Trump Touts Economic Gains After Election Losses Amid Shutdown/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Trump is spotlighting his economic record while facing backlash from voters. Democrats secured major victories in multiple states, fueled by criticism of rising costs and ongoing government dysfunction. Trump continues to push Senate rule changes and touts his economic policies as successful.
Trump’s Economic Message Quick Looks
- Trump marks reelection anniversary by promoting economic progress in Miami speech.
- Democrats won key races amid voter frustration over cost-of-living issues.
- Trump blames GOP election losses on the ongoing 36-day government shutdown.
- Calls for ending Senate filibuster to advance legislation face GOP resistance.
- Trump emphasizes “affordability” as a new Republican goal.
- Supreme Court debates Trump’s tariff powers, testing executive authority.
- Democratic leaders demand direct talks with Trump to end shutdown.
- Charlotte mayor reelected after crime controversy; NYC mayoral win sparks global reaction.
- Trump criticizes Senate tradition blocking judicial appointments, threatens legal action.
- NYC Mayor-elect Mamdani says he’ll work with Trump — if it helps New Yorkers.
Deep Look: Trump Talks Up Economy as Voters Deliver Rebuke on Costs and Governance
WASHINGTON, D.C. — On the first anniversary of his 2024 reelection, President Donald Trump is spotlighting the U.S. economy and pivoting toward an affordability message after voters across several key states rejected his party’s performance in Tuesday’s elections.
While boarding Air Force One en route to Miami, where he is scheduled to address a forum of business leaders and global athletes, Trump posted on social media, marking his election anniversary with optimism:
“Happy Anniversary! On this day, November 5th, one year ago, we had one of the Greatest Presidential Victories in History… Our Economy is BOOMING, and Costs are coming way down. Affordability is our goal. Love to the American People!”
But Tuesday’s results told a different story. Democratic candidates won decisively in New Jersey, Virginia, and New York City, with exit polls pointing to cost-of-living concerns and frustration over the ongoing federal shutdown as primary motivators.
Shutdown Pain Shapes Voter Sentiment
At a Wednesday breakfast meeting with GOP senators, Trump acknowledged the political damage caused by the record-setting 36-day government shutdown, calling it a “big factor, negative” for Republicans in Tuesday’s losses.
He once again pushed senators to eliminate the filibuster, a longstanding Senate rule that requires a 60-vote supermajority to pass most legislation — a rule Trump claims is blocking needed economic reforms. However, Senate Republicans quickly rejected the idea.
Meanwhile, Democratic leaders Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries issued a joint statement urging Trump to meet immediately to end the shutdown and address health care funding, a key sticking point.
“Democrats stand ready to meet with you face to face, anytime and anyplace,” the letter read.
Trump has so far refused, insisting the government must reopen first.
Supreme Court and the Tariff Test
As the shutdown dominates headlines, the Supreme Court began hearing arguments about Trump’s controversial tariff policies, a centerpiece of his economic strategy. The Court’s decision could reshape the scope of executive power in managing international trade and potentially affect trillions of dollars in revenue over the coming decade.
The legal debate centers on whether Trump overstepped presidential authority by using emergency powers to impose tariffs — without explicit congressional approval.
Political Fallout in State and Local Races
In Charlotte, North Carolina, voters reelected Democrat Vi Lyles as mayor despite GOP efforts to tie her to rising crime rates following a deadly commuter train stabbing. The attacker had been arrested over a dozen times, prompting Republican outrage and legislative action.
Lyles defeated Republican Terrie Donovan, who centered her campaign on public safety. Charlotte hasn’t elected a Republican mayor since 2007.
In New York City, the election of Zohran Mamdani, a progressive Muslim mayoral candidate, triggered international backlash, especially from Israeli officials.
Israel’s National Security Minister Itamir Ben-Gvir called Mamdani’s win a “disgrace,” accusing him of antisemitism — a charge Mamdani rejects. During his campaign, Mamdani condemned both Israel’s military actions in Gaza and Hamas’s October 2023 attacks, calling for justice and peace for both Palestinians and Israelis.
London’s Mayor Sadiq Khan, the first Muslim mayor of a major Western city, praised Mamdani’s victory as “a win for hope over fear.”
Mamdani Offers Conditional Cooperation with Trump
When asked about his relationship with Trump following a combative campaign, Mamdani struck a measured tone, stating:
“I will work with the president if he wants to deliver on lower costs and cheaper groceries. But if the president comes after New Yorkers, I will stand in the way.”
Trump Attacks Senate ‘Blue Slip’ Tradition
In a lesser-known but significant complaint, Trump renewed criticism of the Senate’s “blue slip” procedure, which allows home-state senators to approve or block judicial and U.S. attorney nominees. Trump argued the process violates his right to fill federal positions.
“It’s a horrible thing… I think we’re going to go to court on it,” Trump said, suggesting legal action to override the century-old tradition.
The issue touches on the Senate’s “advise and consent” powers under the Constitution — a cornerstone of the balance between executive and legislative authority.
