Donald Trump’s approval ratings are at record lows as the holiday season approaches, largely due to growing dissatisfaction with his economic policies. The rising costs of goods, exacerbated by tariffs, have put a strain on Americans’ wallets during what is traditionally an expensive time of year. Despite these challenges, Trump dismisses concerns about affordability as a Democratic ploy, insisting that prices are decreasing, contrary to reality.
In an interview with Politico, Trump brushed off criticism from a supporter who gave him high marks in all areas except the economy. Trump refuted the assessment, claiming prices are dropping and touting the supposed benefits of tariffs, citing a dubious $18 trillion investment figure. Such statements are not only false but also insensitive to those struggling to make ends meet.
Elsewhere, Trump discussed the Ukraine conflict with Politico, suggesting that the situation could have escalated into a much larger conflict if he were not president. He also criticized European leaders for their handling of immigration issues, particularly targeting London Mayor Sadiq Khan.
During the interview, Trump made baseless claims about birthright citizenship and undocumented immigrants, perpetuating unfounded fears about crime rates. He also boasted about a partnership between the US military and Google for AI technology, raising concerns about national security implications.
On the political front, tensions between Trump and Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene escalated, with both parties exchanging accusations and demands for apologies. Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed concerns over border conflicts between Cambodia and Thailand, emphasizing the need for peace and de-escalation.
In another development, a federal judge allowed the release of investigative materials related to Ghislaine Maxwell’s sex trafficking case, following a request from the Justice Department. This decision marks a step towards transparency in cases linked to Jeffrey Epstein’s criminal activities.
As global conflicts persist, Trump’s claims of resolving certain disputes come under scrutiny, with ongoing violence in regions like Rwanda-Congo casting doubt on his assertions of peacekeeping achievements.