Trump announces primetime address to the nation

[mystery-ak]

 Trump turns to primetime address to sell agenda
by Jared Gans - 12/17/25 6:42 AM ET

President Trump will leverage the bully pulpit Wednesday in a speech to the nation to promote the successes of his first year back in office and look ahead to 2026.

Trump said he will deliver his address in primetime at 9 p.m. EST, vowing in a Truth Social post that the “best is yet to come” after a “great year” for the country.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters the address will focus on the president’s “historic accomplishments,” including on the border, inflation and “what’s to come.”

The speech comes at a critical time for the president with the midterm election cycle underway. Trump has faced underwater approval ratings and jitters among members of his own party that he hasn’t spent enough time concentrating on key issues for Americans like inflation.

The economy remains a top focus for many voters heading into the new year, with polls showing an increasing percentage of the country viewing economic conditions poorly and blaming the Trump administration for not doing enough to combat the rising cost of living.

Trump began a domestic tour last week with a trip to battleground Pennsylvania after focusing much of his official travel in his first year back in office to foreign policy. He used the speech to tout economic achievements under his presidency and many headline-grabbing moments focused on his attacks against various critics. He’s set to travel next to North Carolina on Friday.

more
https://thehill.com/newsletters/morning-report/5652402-trump-year-end-address-economy/

[cato potatoe]

Well… the stock market is through the roof, so my investments and everyone’s 401K’s are jamming.

My homestead has valued significantly.

Corporations are making profits, and tech is running faster than the speed of (human) thought.

All those things are true.

That we can’t afford shit while the economy is exploding around us, is a direct result of Biden’s resetting of the economy via money printing. He single-handedly drove the value of the dollar down 21%+ in a year.

That is also true.

You and the Democrats (feels redundant) can go on blaming Trump (business man and non-politician) for the in-your-face rape of the dollar these past hundred plus years, but that doesn’t change history or the facts.

Much of the disconnect centers around the age gap.  The government has not been honest about inflation, in my observation at least, and they continue to underestimate YOY costs.  The bulk of young adults do not have the cash flow to invest, while the elderly have seen their net worth soar along with equities and real assets.  Then you have Gen X, many of whom are unprepared for life on a fixed income.

[LMAO]

Judging by the comments here and the extreme denials, it wouldn’t surprise me if the Democrats also take the Senate next year and possibly even the presidency in 2028

My wife volunteers once a week at our churches food pantry and she says she has seen a surge of young families and young people using the food shelf

Anecdotal evidence that is backed by data

What’s been happening this year in these special elections is just the warm-up.

[Luis Gonzalez]

Judging by the comments here and the extreme denials

Despite all the facts, you still hold these opinions.

It's not denial, it's something I'm surprised about when I find it.

Right-wing TDS... who knew?

[LMAO]

Despite all the facts, you still hold these opinions.

It's not denial, it's something I'm surprised about when I find it.

Right-wing TDS... who knew?

I was wondering when the term “TDS” would show up


And now that you’re losing the argument, you’ve decided to throw out a personal insult


But since you chose to engage in personal insults, time to put you on ignore


Ciao and have a dandy rest of your day

[LMAO]

Nobody here has ever denied that inflation reached its peak under Biden, and that the economy was not performing as well under Biden as that administration claimed


We’re just simply pointing out the fact that the voting public does not feel as excited about the economy as Donald Trump and his supporters and his denial of how people feel about the economy is going to cost the Republican Party next year and possibly into 2028

You can quote government stats all you want. The Biden administration did the same thing.


But if people don’t see it in their own lives, or see it worsening, you might as well talk to the wall with your statistics

What an argument. “People are finding life increasingly unaffordable, but my personal 401(k) is jamming.”


I don’t think that’s gonna convince people to stick with the Republican Party


And I highly doubt the saber rattling against Venezuela is gonna be convincing to the voters, either. Especially after Iraq and Afghanistan.

[Timber Rattler]

Inflation is back down to a “normal” level. How are theuy impacting anything?

Small businesses and mom-and-pop shops can't easily stock up anymore and have stopped hiring, sinking local economies even further.

Case in point...my wife runs a small shop in our town, and her exclusively European and Canadian suppliers are now refusing to sell to her because of Trump, his tariffs, and his stupid "51st state" and "invade Greenland" rhetoric.

Neighboring small businesses are feeling the same supply pressure as she is, so I bet that our small town represents a microcosm of the entire country.  So despite Trump's gaslighting and the "stats," the economy is not doing so great right now.

[LMAO]

Small businesses and mom-and-pop shops can't easily stock up anymore and have stopped hiring, sinking local economies even further.

Case in point...my wife runs a small shop in our town, and her exclusively European and Canadian suppliers are now refusing to sell to her because of Trump, his tariffs, and his stupid "51st state" and "invade Greenland" rhetoric.

Neighboring small businesses are feeling the same supply pressure as she is, so I bet that our small town represents a microcosm of the entire country.  So despite Trump's gaslighting and the "stats," the economy is not doing so great right now.

It’s a hard sell when people not only find life increasingly unaffordable, but even the job market is tightening, to convince them what they’re experiencing is a hoax by quoting government statistics

[Wingnut]

Ron White would understand...

 

Yes he would!

[catfish1957]

Despite all the facts, you still hold these opinions.

It's not denial, it's something I'm surprised about when I find it.

Right-wing TDS... who knew?

Lot's of groaning, moaning, and bitching....  with ZERO suggestions of resolution or solutions.  I thank our stars every day we avoided  Harris and a continuation of the Biden Doctrine of Destruction.  And that is a testament to Trump...like it or not.

Thankless Rubes....

[Luis Gonzalez]

It’s a hard sell when people not only find life increasingly unaffordable, but even the job market is tightening, to convince them what they’re experiencing is a hoax by quoting government statistics

"Hoax" is a bad word to use.

Understanding why things are, and making decisions based on that understanding is the duty of citizens.

[catfish1957]

"Hoax" is a bad word to use.

Understanding why things are, and making decisions based on that understanding is the duty of citizens.

I think Trump used the wrong wording that he would lower costs.  Incurred inflationary base is near impossible to reverse.  A better term is he helped slam the brakes on it.

[massadvj]

The economy is tanking, and all the king's horses and men haven't been able to put it together again.

Time to announce a war.

[catfish1957]

The economy is tanking, and all the king's horses and men haven't been able to put it together again.

My portfolio says otherwise.

Just where exactly is it tanking? 

[libertybele]

President Trump has delivered on reducing energy and oil costs.

Gas prices have dropped and the economy will respond.

That said I think the issue of Venezuela will be the subject and that will also help energy costs.

Agree.   

[libertybele]

The economy is tanking, and all the king's horses and men haven't been able to put it together again.

Time to announce a war.

Time to announce a war??? 

As for the economy tanking -- grocery prices are still high, but gas prices have come down.  We may see a recession as people have lost jobs, but I think there is a chance that the benefits from the tariffs may kick in beforehand, avoiding a recession. 

[libertybele]

Lot's of groaning, moaning, and bitching....  with ZERO suggestions of resolution or solutions. I thank our stars every day we avoided  Harris and a continuation of the Biden Doctrine of Destruction.  And that is a testament to Trump...like it or not.

Thankless Rubes....

 

[Wingnut]

The economy is tanking, and all the king's horses and men haven't been able to put it together again.

Time to announce a war.

Wag The Dog!

[catfish1957]

Time to announce a war??? 

As for the economy tanking -- grocery prices are still high, but gas prices have come down.  We may see a recession as people have lost jobs, but I think there is a chance that the benefits from the tariffs may kick in beforehand, avoiding a recession.

I personally hate seeing interest start coming down, but not one single naysayer has added that to the equation.  If Trump can thread the needle, we will be seeing an unprecedented boom. 

[massadvj]

Time to announce a war??? 

As for the economy tanking -- grocery prices are still high, but gas prices have come down.  We may see a recession as people have lost jobs, but I think there is a chance that the benefits from the tariffs may kick in beforehand, avoiding a recession.

The benefits from the tariffs?   

[catfish1957]

The benefits from the tariffs?   

Our greatest economic POTUS in history endorsed the limited use of tariffs,.  Granted using them as a slash and burn tactic is counterproductive, but as a means of leveling the playing field?  Let's be patient.


https://coolidgefoundation.org/blog/grand-old-protectionists-calvin-coolidge-and-the-full-dinner-pail/

[massadvj]

I personally hate seeing interest start coming down, but not one single naysayer has added that to the equation.  If Trump can thread the needle, we will be seeing an unprecedented boom.

Bringing interest rates down and paying everyone $2000 in "tariff benefits" is desperation from an administration that sees it is about to get creamed in the midterms. Both of these will be very inflationary, just as the COVID giveaways were. We are well down the road to hyperinflation.

[DefiantMassRINO]

Tariffs are only the first half of the equation.

Deregulation is required to increase productivity, improve efficiencies, and drive down costs.

Government is the biggest obstacle to doing business in America.

[massadvj]

My portfolio says otherwise.

Just where exactly is it tanking?

The economy has been very good for holders of assets. That includes me. But young people who want the American dream are being screwed out of it, they know it, and they will show up to vote socialist in the fall. How long will your assets do once that happens?

[massadvj]

Tariffs are only the first half of the equation.

Deregulation is required to increase productivity, improve efficiencies, and drive down costs.

Government is the biggest obstacle to doing business in America.

Tariffs and deregulation will do nothing if they do not deal with the fiscal deficit. That is the big elephant in the room. They could not get congress on board with DOGE, thanks to moderate Republicans.  That ended any hope of fixing what is actually wrong with the economy.

[catfish1957]

Bringing interest rates down and paying everyone $2000 in "tariff benefits" is desperation from an administration that sees it is about to get creamed in the midterms. Both of these will be very inflationary, just as the COVID giveaways were. We are well down the road to hyperinflation.

I understand your sentiment, but I also see it as an endorsement of letting the dims get control of the House.  Are you for that?

In our younger days 50 years ago or so, the voting population wasn't gullible to crass political pandering.  Problem is.....  90% now are basically stupid...   And there is nothing we can do about that.

Want proof?...  Watch any Johnny block on Watter's FNC show.   His interviews of people on the street are very telling

[rustynail]

Trump's economic approval hits a new low at 36%

https://www.npr.org/2025/12/17/nx-s1-5645003/trump-poll-economy-approval

[catfish1957]

But young people who want the American dream are being screwed out of it, they know it, and they will show up to vote socialist in the fall. How long will your assets do once that happens?

Been hearing that argument for 50 years.   

[LMAO]

Time to announce a war??? 

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=DWbyuk7iSg0

We can call it “Operation Epstein Distraction”

Or “Operation Economic Distraction” will probably work just as well

[catfish1957]

Tariffs and deregulation will do nothing if they do not deal with the fiscal deficit. That is the big elephant in the room. They could not get congress on board with DOGE, thanks to moderate Republicans.  That ended any hope of fixing what is actually wrong with the economy.

Spot on....   Why aren't you grilling the RINO's like Trump?

[catfish1957]

Trump's economic approval hits a new low at 36%

https://www.npr.org/2025/12/17/nx-s1-5645003/trump-poll-economy-approval

The same NPR that Trump is trying to defund?  Got it......

Here is a more unbiased one on the general side....

https://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/trump_administration_second_term/trump_approval_index_history_second_term

[Right_in_Virginia]

The benefits from the tariffs?   

Oh, look.... ⬆️ a Boomer trying to push everyone back in the box.  Shocking.     

[catfish1957]

Oh, look.... ⬆️ a Boomer trying to push everyone back in the box.  Shocking.     

I hate tariffs too, in the vein of Reagan.  But Reagan's premise of free trade was contingent on a level playing field.  Which has been anything but since he left office.

[rustynail]

The same NPR that Trump is trying to defund?  Got it......

Here is a more unbiased one on the general side....

https://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/trump_administration_second_term/trump_approval_index_history_second_term

Thanks.

[Timber Rattler]

My portfolio says otherwise.

Just where exactly is it tanking?

Small town America.

Our greatest economic POTUS in history endorsed the limited use of tariffs,.

Limited...?

With tariffs signed, Trump warns of ‘pain’ to come for Americans

https://www.cnn.com/2025/02/02/politics/us-tariffs-americans-pay-imports/index.html

[LMAO]

Small town America.

And small businesses

https://www.cnbc.com/2025/10/17/how-much-trump-tariffs-are-costing-small-businesses.html

[catfish1957]

Small town America.

I live in a small town.  And my Coffee Klatch is a pretty good cross-section of the community, and I don't see any stress 

I guess we are an island. 

[catfish1957]

And small businesses

https://www.cnbc.com/2025/10/17/how-much-trump-tariffs-are-costing-small-businesses.html

I am a financial show/network junkie.  You citing CNBC, is like citing an NPR poll. 

[Timber Rattler]

I live in a small town.  And my Coffee Klatch is a pretty good cross-section of the community, and I don't see any stress 

I guess we are an island.

Well you must be, because everybody else the Heartland is under severe economic stress.

Retail faces a reckoning as store closures outpace openings in 2025

https://www.emarketer.com/content/store-closures-surge-as-tariffs-and-value-trends-redefine-retail-footprint

[LMAO]

I am a financial show/network junkie.  You citing CNBC, is like citing an NPR poll.

Ah yes…..

  Attack sources

Still waiting for that crow you said I would be eating by September. I’m still hungry.

You know where you claimed inflation was dropping like a rock? Earlier this year?


I’m sure you’re gonna move the goal post. But good luck.

[Timber Rattler]

I am a financial show/network junkie.  You citing CNBC, is like citing an NPR poll.

yeah, it's all a hoax, right?  We shouldn't believe our lying eyes and pocket books?   

[Weird Tolkienish Figure]

Nobody hates China/CCP more than me but I feel Trump was ham-handed in his application of import tariffs. I feel like he should have delegated that to someone who knew what they were doing.

[catfish1957]

Ah yes…..

  Attack sources

Still waiting for that crow you said I would be eating by September. I’m still hungry.

You know where you claimed inflation was dropping like a rock? Earlier this year?


I’m sure you’re gonna move the goal post. But good luck.

Bullshit....   Your claimed it would be doom and gloom.  Where's the disaster bubba?

[LMAO]

yeah, it's all a hoax, right?  We shouldn't believe our lying eyes and pocket books?   

It appears that’s the tactic they’re gonna try

And it’ll work just as well for Trump and his supporters as it did for Biden/Harris and their supporters

[Timber Rattler]

Bullshit....   Your claimed it would be doom and gloom.  Where's the disaster bubba?

Small town America.

[LMAO]

Bullshit....   Your claimed it would be doom and gloom.  Where's the disaster bubba?

Never said such a thing

You claimed we would be in all these trading deals by September and that inflation was dropping like a rock

Now you’re moving the goal post to help your cause but it just smells like desperation

[Right_in_Virginia]

I hate tariffs too, in the vein of Reagan.  But Reagan's premise of free trade was contingent on a level playing field.  Which has been anything but since he left office.

40 years ago the US geniuses were just beginning to sell fhe American economy at the altar of global trade agreements and campaign contributions.

Trump is restructuring the global economiy back to that elusive level playing field.  American politicians and most conservatives fight him while foreign leaders laugh when they ask "what took you so long?"..

Let Trump move his plan forward.  Period.

[Weird Tolkienish Figure]

It appears that’s the tactic they’re gonna try

And it’ll work just as well for Trump and his supporters as it did for Biden/Harris and their supporters

I hate to say this, but I'm actually remembering the Obama years with a certain amount of fondness, at least economically. And yes, I agree Biden caused inflation but Trump's strategy to reverse it isn't radical enough, and tariffs is just the wrong solution at this time.

We bought our first house in 2011, real estate prices were very affordable.

[DefiantMassRINO]

Trump will never delegate tariff decisions because he wants to be "The Godfather".

[catfish1957]

@LMAO

Since April 6th.  Beginning of that thread...

DJIA- Up 24.3%
NASDAQ- Up 46.2%
CPI- Aggregate 3.6%. What was in during the Biden era?
Unemployment per BLR- 4.6%. Historically 5% has been the benchmark of full employment

Anything else you want to cover;