Trump Just Tried To Boast About America's 'Poverty'—And It Went Instantly South

Speaking ahead of a trip to Illinois to attend the 2026 Presidents Cup golf tournament, President Donald Trump bragged to reporters that the United States has the "best poverty," sparking immediate critcism.

Trump made the remark even as inflation remains above the level recorded when former President Joe Biden left office, economic growth has slowed, and the cost of filling a gas tank has surged roughly 50% since the war against Iran began.

What's worse is public sentiment: 73% of Americans describe the economy as being in fair or poor condition, with nearly half—48%—calling it poor.

Over the past year, fuel prices have jumped 52%, ground beef 7.2%, fish and seafood 6.5%, and both coffee and sugar and sweets 6.1%, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

Electricity prices are also up 3.8%. The administration has pointed to a 23% drop in egg prices as evidence of progress, but that gain comes alongside a national average gasoline price of $4.47 a gallon. The Federal Reserve’s decision to raise interest rates further underscores its concern about inflation.

But despite this, Trump said:

"We have the best, uhh, I guess you could say poverty. They talk poverty. We have the best poverty numbers ever in the history of our country."

You can hear what he said in the video below.

Many have condemned his tactless remarks.

Last year, insisting prices are down despite rising inflation, Trump claimed that affordability "doesn't mean a thing to anybody." He went on to accuse Democrats of crafting a “fake narrative” and “con job” to trick the American people into not voting for Republicans.

Instead, Trump has given significant attention to White House renovations and other pet projects around Washington, D.C. Trump's White House renovations have already cost nearly $1 billion, according to one analysis.

None of this sounds like the makings of a good midterm elections message with just 35 days to go.