As President Donald Trump promotes his economic record, Vice President JD Vance acknowledges the concerns of Americans regarding the economy. With the midterm elections approaching, Trump continues to assert his positive impact on the economy despite low approval ratings, stating that Americans are not feeling the benefits. In contrast, Vance has been more empathetic to the economic challenges faced by voters, while also recognizing progress made by the administration. He has urged voters to be patient, stating, "Rome wasn't built in a day."
A late September AP-NORC poll indicated that 82% of adults disapprove of Trump's handling of the cost of living, with only 17% approving. Despite this, Trump maintains a positive view of his economic policies. During a campaign event in Texas, he rated his performance an "A+" and downplayed the economic difficulties stemming from the conflict with Iran, framing it as a necessary measure to prevent nuclear proliferation.
Vance has expressed understanding of the frustrations faced by Americans while highlighting the achievements of the Trump administration. He has encouraged voters to support Republicans in the upcoming elections to continue the work that has been started. In an interview, he stated, "Everything was not going to be fixed in 18 months. But you can't ignore people's concerns." At the All-In Summit, he urged voters to give Republicans "another chance" to address ongoing issues.
Trump has previously criticized his party for not effectively promoting his agenda, stating that many Americans are unaware of the job growth under his administration. He noted that there are more Americans employed than ever before but emphasized the need for better communication about these successes.
Despite Trump's claims of job growth, the September jobs report revealed only 29,000 jobs were added, significantly below expectations, and indicated that wages are not keeping pace with inflation.
When asked about the differing economic messages from Trump and Vance, the White House asserted that both are conveying a unified message: that if Republicans retain control of Congress and continue to implement Trump's agenda, American families will benefit financially and enjoy safer communities.
Vance is considered a leading Republican candidate for the 2028 presidential election. He indicated that the performance of Republicans in the midterms would influence his decision on running for president, stating that he would evaluate new information as it becomes available.