Politics

Trump Confronted After Supporter Says Prices Are Rising Faster Than Wages

By Jake Beardslee · December 9, 2025

President Donald Trump was pressed on economic concerns from one of his own supporters during an interview with Politico’s Dasha Burns this week. Asked to grade his economic performance, Trump immediately offered a glowing self-assessment, saying, “A plus, plus, plus, plus.”

Burns followed by recounting her recent conversation with a Trump supporter from Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. “Well, it’s interesting because I talked to a supporter of yours, her name is Melanie from Westmoreland County, PA, and she loves you,” Burns told him. “She gave you overall an A plus plus grade. But here’s what she said about the economy.”

Burns then quoted the supporter directly, saying, “She said, quote, groceries, utility, insurance, and the basic cost of running a small business keep rising faster than wages. She also says that not enough is being done. Mr. President, this is one of your supporters.”

Trump responded by focusing first on her praise. “Okay, good,” he said. “And I love her because you said I got an A plus on everything, I guess.” Burns reiterated that despite her support, the woman remained anxious about the economy. “But she’s still worried about the economy,” she noted.

Trump shifted blame to conditions he said existed before he took office. “But what you have to understand, the word affordability,” he argued. “I inherited a mess. I inherited a total mess. Prices were at an all-time high.”