As Donald Trump’s economy tanks, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Sunday claimed that the Trump administration will not “tell the American people that they don’t know how they’re feeling” on the economy. But for the past several months, Trump and his administration have done exactly that, all while Trump lines the pockets of his billionaire donors. 

This week alone, Trump falsely claimed, “we’ve already brought [prices] down very substantially,” that “we are doing better than we’ve ever done as a country,” and that “we have the greatest economy in history.” His top economic advisor, Kevin Hassett, similarly lied, saying that “Inflation is way down.” Trump even begged for praise for his failed economy, saying, “All I want is for people to recognize the great job I’ve done on pricing, on affordability.” 

As a reminder, Trump is wreaking havoc on the economy, working families are struggling to afford everyday necessities, jobs are disappearing, and one in four families is living paycheck to paycheck. Bessent himself has claimed that parts of the economy are already in recession. Yet, Trump has made it abundantly clear that he doesn’t care about helping everyday Americans — all he cares about is handing out massive tax breaks to his wealthy donors.

Americans aren’t buying it either. Just 33% of voters approve of Trump’s handling of the economy — the lowest point of either of his terms. Trump’s approval on economic issues like inflation and trade has nosedived and remains deeply underwater. Majorities of voters say Trump’s policies are weakening the economy, costing jobs, and failing to bring down prices. Six in ten voters say he’s losing the fight against inflation. And more Americans trust Democrats — not Republicans — to handle the economy.

In response, DNC Rapid Response Director Kendall Witmer released the following statement: 

“Donald Trump has been leading the economy off a cliff, and the American people know it. Still, he and his administration are making desperate attempts to sell a false reality to everyday Americans who are drowning under sky-high prices and a job market with layoffs at recession-like levels — all while Trump complains that he doesn’t ‘want to hear about the affordability.’ Heading into a historically expensive holiday season, Americans are stretching their wallets to afford Thanksgiving meals while Trump hosts lavish dinners and continues renovating his $350 million golden ballroom. In Trump’s world, he and his billionaire buddies come first, and everyday Americans get thrown under the bus.”