Trump Highlights Economic Strategy at Key Rally Amid Tightening Presidential Race
In a recent rally in Asheville, North Carolina, former President Donald Trump focused on his economic agenda as his campaign navigates a narrowing race for the presidency. During the 90-minute speech, Trump vowed to reduce consumer prices and raise wages through permanent tax cuts, energy policy changes, and the removal of environmental regulations.
Wednesday’s rally marked the second in two weeks for Trump, signaling a more measured pace in his campaign efforts. This event comes as his team works to regain footing after recent setbacks, especially as Vice President Kamala Harris gains momentum ahead of the Democratic National Convention next week.
Trump’s address, while lacking new policy announcements, emphasized his commitment to making America “affordable again” by driving down prices if elected to a second term. He contrasted his plans with those of a potential Harris administration, warning that her leadership would cause prices to “skyrocket.” Trump criticized the Biden-Harris administration, claiming it has “broken” the economy, and asked the crowd, “Does anyone here feel richer under Kamala Harris and Crooked Joe? Is anything less expensive under Kamala Harris and Crooked Joe?”
While recent data shows inflation in the U.S. slowing to its lowest pace in over three years, providing relief to consumers, this could benefit Harris’s campaign. Trump also promised to cut energy costs by expanding drilling on public lands and pledged to reverse renewable energy initiatives approved under President Joe Biden’s administration. He reiterated his plan to eliminate taxes on tips, a policy that the Harris campaign also supports.
In a surprising turn, Trump indicated he would retain the Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obamacare, despite his previous efforts to dismantle it during his presidency. Although the rally was promoted as an economic address, Trump spent significant time attacking his political rivals and revisiting familiar topics such as immigration.
The Harris campaign quickly responded, accusing Trump of ignoring “inconvenient facts” about the economy. In a statement, they said, “He lied. He rambled. He yelled. He said the economy is not an important issue.”
Trump has been on the defensive recently, especially after the Democratic ticket gained new energy following President Joe Biden’s decision to step aside, allowing Harris to take the lead. Reports suggest that Trump’s team is working to refocus his campaign after a series of events where he appeared less centered on policy, all while support for Harris continues to grow.
A recent poll by the Cook Political Report shows Harris closing the gap in key swing states, with leads over Trump in Arizona, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, while the two are tied in Georgia. Despite this, the race remains fiercely competitive, with surveys indicating that voters still trust Trump more on economic issues than Harris.
Harris is scheduled to visit North Carolina on Friday to present her own economic proposals, while Trump is set to visit Pennsylvania, another battleground state, on Saturday.
Trump’s rally comes on the heels of a controversy involving the United Auto Workers (UAW), which filed Unfair Labor Practice charges against Trump and Elon Musk following comments Trump made during a conversation on X/Twitter. In that exchange, Trump praised Musk for firing workers who went on strike, despite federal laws prohibiting the firing of striking employees.
The UAW, which represents a significant portion of voters in Michigan, has vowed to mobilize its members in support of Harris. UAW President Shawn Fain criticized Trump, stating, “When we say Donald Trump is a scab, this is what we mean. When we say Trump stands against everything our union stands for, this is what we mean.”
Outside the Asheville venue, Trump supporters expressed their unwavering loyalty. Lisa Ramsey, an Asheville resident, praised Trump for standing firm in his beliefs, while Maurice Booth from Sylva, North Carolina, admired Trump’s boldness and ability to “get things done.” Zach Young, from Hendersonville, voiced his dissatisfaction with the Biden administration, stating, “We need to get back on the right page. The country needs to be run like a business.”
Earlier in the day, Trump cast his ballot in Florida’s primary election during the early voting period, despite his previous criticisms of early voting due to unsubstantiated claims of potential fraud.
