Trump’s bold economic promises on the campaign trail have led to a policy salad

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 4 min read 100% complete by Eduardo PorterJanuary 22, 2026 at 12:00 PM

AI Summary

long article 4 min

Donald Trump's economic promises during his campaign, such as lower grocery and energy costs, have largely not materialized, with prices often rising faster than under his predecessor. Facing negative economic approval ratings, Trump is now proposing a range of policies aimed at addressing voters' economic concerns. These proposals include capping credit card interest rates, despite potential negative consequences for higher-risk borrowers. However, his central promise of revitalizing American manufacturing through tariffs has not been realized, with tariffs even hindering efforts to curb inflation. Polls indicate that a majority of Americans disapprove of Trump's handling of the economy, leading him to seek a message that resonates with distressed voters, regardless of the economic or legal feasibility of his proposals.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

CNN 30% Wall Street Journal 40% Jerome Powell 50% Republicans 50% US Federal Reserve 60% Joe Biden ×270% United States ×280% Donald Trump ×890%

Keywords

trump 100% economic promises 90% economic policy 80% economic performance 70% inflation 70% tariffs 60% voters 60% credit card interest rates 50% energy costs 50%