Daijiworld Media Network - Rome

Rome, Feb 19: US President Donald Trump is set to deliver another major economic address on Thursday in Georgia as he seeks to convince voters that he and fellow Republicans have a concrete plan to lower prices ahead of November’s midterm congressional elections.

Trump, who won re-election in 2024 pledging to curb inflation, has faced mounting scepticism from voters over whether enough progress has been made in easing the cost of living. Public opinion polls indicate persistent concerns about grocery bills, housing costs and overall household expenses, posing a potential risk to Republican control of Congress.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump’s speech in Rome, Georgia, would focus on plans “to make life affordable for working people.” He is expected to speak at the Coosa Steel Corporation, according to a Republican Party promotional post.

Though not on the ballot in November, Trump has taken on the role of chief economic messenger for the Republican Party. However, critics and some Republican strategists have suggested that his messaging on inflation has at times clashed with economic data and voter sentiment.

According to a new Reuters/Ipsos poll, Trump’s approval rating on handling the economy stands at 34%, down from 36% last month, with 57% disapproving of his performance on the issue.

Government data showed the annual inflation rate at 2.4% in January, down from 2.7% in December. However, food prices have risen nearly 3% over the past year, while housing costs remain elevated, continuing to strain household budgets.

Republicans currently hold a narrow majority in the US House of Representatives, while Democrats need a net gain of four seats to regain control of the Senate. Voter frustration over prices has emerged as a central issue in the run-up to the elections.

In his Georgia address, Trump is expected to highlight recently implemented tax cuts and proposals to eliminate taxes on tips, overtime pay and Social Security benefits. He has also outlined plans aimed at reducing mortgage interest rates, lowering housing prices and negotiating with health insurers to bring down drug costs.

The speech comes in a strongly conservative district formerly represented by Marjorie Taylor Greene, who resigned her seat in January after a split with Trump. A special election to fill the seat is scheduled for March 10, with Trump backing a local prosecutor in the race.