Kathrine Frich
A tense exchange between U.S. President Donald Trump and a Fox News journalist has reignited debate over the state of the American economy.
Despite fresh polling showing widespread public concern about rising costs, Trump insisted that “the economy has never been better.”
The confrontation came after a Harris Poll, cited by The Guardian, revealed that three-quarters of Americans believe their household expenses have increased in the past year.
Rising costs, falling confidence
According to the poll, 55 percent of Democrats and independents blame the Trump administration for the current economic strain, while most Republicans attribute it to inflation and global market shifts.
The survey also found that inflation remains the public’s top economic concern.
Officially, U.S. inflation currently stands at about three percent, one percentage point above the Federal Reserve’s target.
Economists have warned that trade tariffs and supply pressures could push prices higher in the coming months.
“I don’t know that they are saying that”
When Fox News host Laura Ingraham asked Trump why so many Americans say they feel anxious about the economy, the president quickly rejected the premise.
“I don’t know that they are saying that,” he replied. “We have the greatest economy we’ve ever had.”
The president has repeatedly claimed that inflation is minimal, writing in August that there is “virtually no inflation” in the United States.
His statement contrasts with independent data and polling that suggest Americans are still struggling with higher living costs.
White House response
After the poll’s release, White House spokesperson Kush Desai defended the administration’s record, telling The Independent that:
“Real wages are up and inflation is trending towards a cool and stable 2.3 percent annualized rate since President Trump took office.”
Desai added:
“As the Trump administration’s aggressive supply-side agenda continues to take effect, Americans can count on further economic relief from Joe Biden’s inflation crisis, on top of trillions in investments that are pouring in to make and hire in America.”
Growing political tension
The interview aired as the federal government shutdown entered another week, disrupting travel nationwide and grounding thousands of flights. Trump acknowledged the strain but maintained his optimism.
“Life is not so easy for anybody,” he said. “Our country has never done better. We should not have had people leaving their job.”
His comments underscore a widening gap between the administration’s upbeat economic narrative and the public’s day-to-day experience, one likely to shape the tone of the 2026 campaign season.
This article is made and published by Kathrine Frich, who may have used AI in the preparation
