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Donald Trump will address the nation from the White House amid low approval ratings, economic concerns, and criticism over immigration, as the 2026 midterm elections approach.
Donald Trump will address the nation from the White House amid low approval ratings, economic concerns, and criticism over immigration, as the 2026 midterm elections approach. (IMAGE: REUTERS)
US President Donald Trump is set to outline his agenda for the coming year and beyond in a live address from the White House on Wednesday night, at a time when his public approval ratings are under pressure.
The White House has offered limited details on the content of the speech, scheduled for 9 pm EST, but it comes amid growing public dissatisfaction with Trump’s handling of the economy. Recent opinion polls show that many Americans are frustrated as inflation has picked up following the imposition of tariffs, while hiring has slowed.
Trump’s aggressive immigration crackdown, including mass deportations, has also drawn criticism, though he continues to receive approval for reducing illegal crossings along the US-Mexico border. Meanwhile, his income tax cuts and high-profile foreign policy initiatives including efforts to end overseas conflicts, strikes on suspected drug-smuggling vessels near Venezuela, and attempts to attract foreign investment have generated a muted public response.
With the 2026 midterm elections approaching, Trump and the Republican Party face what is widely seen as a referendum on their leadership, with control of both the House and Senate at stake.
The president has repeatedly argued that public support would improve if voters better understood his record. Administration officials have echoed this view, saying investment commitments for new manufacturing plants will help reverse recent job losses and that consumer spending will rebound as Americans receive larger tax refunds next year.
“It has been a great year for our Country, and THE BEST IS YET TO COME!” Trump posted on social media on Tuesday while announcing the speech.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the president will highlight his achievements so far and lay out plans for the remainder of his second term.
Trump has remained a constant presence on television and social media this year, frequently holding impromptu press briefings and delivering unscripted remarks. However, nationally televised addresses are often more restrained, as seen in his June speech announcing US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
Known for rejecting traditional political messaging discipline, Trump’s direct style has continued to divide voters. In a recent speech in Pennsylvania, he suggested tariffs could mean fewer consumer goods for American children and confirmed a controversial account from his first term regarding immigration. Earlier this week, he also used social media to accuse actor-director Rob Reiner of contributing to the killing of Reiner and his wife, comments that drew widespread criticism.
Economic data released on Tuesday further underscored the challenges facing the administration. While the broader economy remains stable, the job market appears increasingly fragile. Employers added an average of 122,750 jobs per month in the first four months of the year, but since the announcement of sweeping tariffs in April, monthly job gains have fallen sharply to about 17,000. The unemployment rate has also risen from 4% in January to 4.6%.
The Trump administration has blamed recent job losses on Democratic lawmakers, accusing them of shutting down the government earlier this year. The president has also continued to fault his predecessor, Joe Biden, for ongoing economic pressures and difficulties in resolving Russia’s war in Ukraine.
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December 18, 2025, 00:03 IST
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