PRESIDENT Donald Trump's prominent economic speech on Tuesday night aimed to ease Americans' worries about the rising cost of living. However, it mostly seemed to increase concerns among Republicans that he isn't fully grasping the situation.
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With his approval ratings falling and voters growing more anxious, Trump claimed the economy was doing well and that prices were dropping.
He criticized the public for focusing on affordability and urged people to accept living with less.
As Republicans urgently look for effective ways to improve voters' mood, Trump gave little indication that solutions would come from the top.
"Tell people they don't understand their own lives, and that won't work," said Douglas Holtz-Eakin, president of the right-leaning American Action Forum and a long-time Republican economic advisor.
"But he won't change his approach, and his approach isn't helpful right now."
Trump's ongoing positive view of the economy—including again calling affordability a "hoax" promoted by Democrats—has reduced hopes that he will significantly alter his messaging, despite clear warning signs and efforts by various aides and allies to push for a change.
Within Trump's circle, even the more optimistic advisors described it only as a much-needed start, saying that simply getting the president back on the campaign trail to promote his agenda was a win after months of focusing mainly on international issues. "We need to get back on offense," said one Trump adviser.