Trump Attacks ‘Affordability Hoax’ and Immigrants in Rally Speech

According to Rokna, citing The Guardian, following Republican election losses and criticism that he is out of touch with Americans’ affordability challenges, Trump’s address on Tuesday at the Mount Pocono casino in northeastern Pennsylvania was framed as an opportunity to reclaim the economic narrative.

Welcomed by Lee Greenwood’s God Bless the USA and a crowd chanting “USA! USA! USA!”, the president quickly reverted to his freewheeling campaign style, frequently deviating from his teleprompter over the course of more than 90 minutes to hurl insults and dismiss affordability concerns as a “hoax.”

“I have no higher priority than making America affordable again,” Trump said in a rare moment of focus beneath a blue sign reading, “Lower prices, bigger paychecks.” He added, “That’s exactly what we’re going to do. The Democrats caused these high prices, and we are bringing them down.”

Despite lavish praise at cabinet meetings, Trump has faced growing criticism for being disconnected from the financial struggles of everyday Americans. This year, he has held only five rallies, none since July, choosing instead to travel abroad or focus on his luxury golf properties.

Trump has frequently dismissed inflation concerns as a “hoax” and a “con job,” implying he bears no responsibility for rising prices. In a Politico interview released Tuesday, he was asked what grade he would assign the economy. “A-plus-plus-plus-plus-plus,” he replied.

Just as President Biden embarked on nationally promoted tours to tout “Bidenomics,” claiming economic success despite Americans struggling to make ends meet, Trump is now making a delayed effort to regain credibility on the economy.

The rally included familiar elements: a mocking impersonation of Biden, prompting chants of “autopen!” from the audience; a reference to his own “weave,” describing his zig-zagging speeches; and complaints that the media ignores the southern border, now “secured” under his watch.

Trump also launched a racially charged attack on Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, a Somali-born Muslim. “Ilhan Omar, whatever her name is. With her little turban. I love her. She comes in, does nothing but complain,” he said. “We ought to get her out! She married her brother … Therefore she’s here illegally.” The crowd responded with chants of “Send her back!”

Omar fled Somalia as a child during civil war, became a US citizen in 2000, and has consistently denied the marriage allegation, calling it “absolutely false and ridiculous.”

On immigration, Trump reiterated his concept of “remigration,” a term popularized by European white nationalists advocating for reverse migration of immigrants. “For the first time in 50 years, we now have reverse migration — meaning more jobs, higher wages, and better incomes for American citizens, not illegal aliens,” he said.

He also appeared to confirm previous reports from his first term — initially denied — that he referred to Haiti and African countries as “shithole nations.” Recalling a past meeting with senators, he said, “We had a meeting, and I said, ‘Why do we only take people from shithole countries?’ Why not a few from Norway, Sweden, Denmark — just a few nice people. But we always take people from Somalia, places full of disaster, crime, and filth. The only thing they’re good at is attacking ships.”

Despite the divisive rhetoric, the main focus of Trump’s speech was intended to be the cost of living — a central issue that could significantly impact Republican prospects next year. Only 33% of US adults approve of his handling of the economy, according to a November survey by the Associated Press-Norc Center for Public Affairs Research.

Trump has repeatedly blamed Biden for inflation, even as his own tariff policies have contributed to rising prices. After announcing sweeping “liberation day” tariffs in April, inflation began to accelerate. In a partial reversal, Trump reduced tariffs on coffee, beef, and tropical fruits, acknowledging they may have contributed to price increases. This week, he also announced a $12 billion bailout for farmers affected by the US-China trade conflict.

Defending tariffs, Trump claimed, “We’ve brought in hundreds of billions — actually, trillions — and if you consider all the companies investing in new plants in Pennsylvania and elsewhere — auto, AI, and various manufacturing plants — none of this would exist without tariffs. Europe is now saying they might start doing what Trump did because they’re getting beaten, and it’s true.”

He insisted, “Prices are dropping significantly from record highs,” though in reality, the consumer price index shows prices rose 1.7% between January and September, and were 3% higher than in September 2024.

Throughout the speech, Trump sought to shift blame for the affordability crisis onto Biden, presenting charts of prices, mortgage rates, and real wages. “They gave you high prices, the highest inflation in history, and we are bringing them down rapidly,” he said.

The event concluded in familiar fashion, with Trump lingering on stage as the Village People’s YMCA played, pointing at audience members and performing his signature arm-wagging dance. Clearly, more rallies are expected before the midterms.

Trump noted that his chief of staff, Susie Wiles, recently told him: “We have to start campaigning, sir … We have to win the midterms, and you’re the one to lead us there.” At one point, the crowd erupted in chants of “four more years!” despite Trump being constitutionally barred from seeking a third term in 2028. “We have three years and two months left,” he said. “In Trump time, three years and two months is eternity.”

Democrats in Pennsylvania largely dismissed the visit. Democratic state representative Malcolm Kenyatta said last week: “I always knew Donald Trump was a liar, corrupt, and incompetent, but many voters entered this election hoping he would lower costs. Now he claims affordability is a hoax. They thought Trump would withdraw from foreign wars; now he’s threatening action in Venezuela.”