Trump touts booming economy at Montana rally, but supporters feel the pinch

Speaking to a crowd in Kalispell, Montana, President Donald Trump insisted the economy is thriving and that inflation is nearly absent, even though federal data released the same day showed prices up 3.7% over the past year. The appearance was part of a Western swing on behalf of Republican candidates, three weeks ahead of the midterm elections, and polling indicates that dissatisfaction over the economy could cost the party its narrow congressional majority, according to NBC News.

Trump pointed to rising stock values that help retirement accounts, said record investment of more than $22 trillion is bringing new plants to Montana, and defended his tariffs as a source of wealth. He acknowledged expensive fuel but forecast that it would fall once the Iran war is over.

Several supporters interviewed by NBC News before he spoke described a different reality. Moneen Ahlquist, 84, bundles errands to save gasoline. Megan Gurhlke, 44, a dairy farm worker, said her household struggles even with three full-time earners. Jennifer Piperakis, 53, said a tank of diesel costs her $200. Yet none blamed Trump; some faulted former President Joe Biden, while others, including hardware store owner Gary Hanson, 67, said patience is needed for his policies to work.

Summarized by PolitiKool from NBC News’s reporting. Read the full story at NBC News →