From NBC News · Peter Nicholas · · 2m
Trump touts booming economy as supporters struggle with costs
President Trump claimed the economy is thriving at a Montana rally, but many of his supporters say they are squeezed by high prices for groceries, housing and fuel.
In brief
President Trump claimed the economy is thriving at a Montana rally, but many of his supporters say they are squeezed by high prices for groceries, housing and fuel. Trump told Montana supporters the economy is booming while inflation climbed three point seven percent, but many attendees reported struggling with…
Trump claims victory on inflation
On October fifteenth, as the U.S. inflation rate climbed three point seven percent over the past year, President Donald Trump told a rally in Kalispell, Montana, we have very little inflation.
“We have very little inflation.”
Trump's economic message at rally
Trump campaigned for Republican candidates three weeks before the midterm elections, saying poverty is down, incomes are up, and more than twenty two trillion dollars is flowing into the country.
Trump predicts prosperity across Montana
With record investment levels, Trump told supporters they are building plants all over Montana and all over the country. Everyone, we're all having a good time, he said.
“Everyone, we're all having a good time.”
Reality differs for many supporters
Yet the economic resurgence Trump described isn't the reality many people say they are living. In interviews before he appeared, some supporters said they're feeling squeezed by grocery, housing and fuel costs.
Eighty four year old cuts back on driving
Moneen Ahlquist, an eighty four year old homemaker from Missoula, said she combines errands in one trip to keep her car in the garage and save on gas.
Dairy farm worker struggles despite full time jobs
Megan Gurhlke, forty four, works on a dairy farm where three of her four family members work full time. Yet she said, we can't afford stuff because the prices are so bad.
“We can't afford stuff because the prices are so bad.”
Supporters blame Biden, await Trump's policies
Some supporters echoed Trump's claim that former President Joe Biden is to blame for high prices. Others said they're prepared to wait for Trump's policies to fully kick in and make life more affordable.
Voter unhappiness threatens Republican control
Elections often hinge on the economy. Polling suggests that voters' unhappiness with economic conditions could cost the Republicans their slim congressional majority.
Trump defends tariffs and predicts fuel price drops
Trump cited stock market gains boosting retirement savings and defended tariffs on foreign countries, saying they've produced considerable wealth. He predicted fuel costs will drop once the Iran war ends.
The short version
Trump told Montana supporters the economy is booming while inflation climbed three point seven percent, but many attendees reported struggling with grocery, housing and fuel costs.
