Key Takeaways
- Trump’s recent "Christmas speech" in rural Pennsylvania was marked by boasts about his presidency and claims that he has improved the economy, despite evidence to the contrary.
- The speech was criticized for its lack of empathy and understanding of the struggles of ordinary Americans, with Trump suggesting that people could simply cut back on buying things if they were struggling financially.
- Trump’s popularity is waning, even among his loyal supporters, with recent election results and polls suggesting that voters are turning against him.
- Congressional Republicans are starting to distance themselves from Trump, rejecting his demands and policies, and it is likely that his influence will continue to decline in the coming year.
Introduction to Trump’s Speech
Trump gave a speech in rural Pennsylvania that was billed as a "Christmas speech", but it quickly became clear that it was just another opportunity for him to boast about his presidency and make claims about the economy that are not supported by evidence. He began by wishing everyone a "merry Christmas" and claiming that he had gotten people "lower prices" and "bigger paychecks", despite the fact that many people in the crowd were likely struggling to make ends meet. He also suggested that people could simply cut back on buying things if they were struggling financially, saying that children don’t need 37 pencils or dolls.
Lack of Empathy and Understanding
The speech was widely criticized for its lack of empathy and understanding of the struggles of ordinary Americans. Trump’s comments about cutting back on buying things were seen as tone-deaf and out of touch with the reality of many people’s lives. It’s also worth noting that Trump’s own financial situation is far removed from that of most Americans, with his crypto investments reportedly earning him billions of dollars. This makes his comments about austerity and cutting back on spending seem particularly hypocritical. Furthermore, his claim that the stock market and 401(k)s are doing well is not relevant to most Americans, as 92% of the stock market is owned by the richest 10% of Americans, and only a third of Americans have a 401(k) or other retirement plan.
Attacks on Opponents and Lack of Focus
The speech was also notable for Trump’s attacks on his opponents, including Ilhan Omar, a Minnesota congresswoman, and Joe Biden, whom he called a "son of a bitch". He also ridiculed windmills and mocked transgender people, which was seen as a distraction from the issue of affordability that he was supposed to be addressing. This lack of focus and propensity for personal attacks has become a hallmark of Trump’s speeches and public appearances, and it is likely to continue to alienate voters and undermine his credibility.
Declining Popularity and Influence
Despite his boasts about his presidency, Trump’s popularity is waning, even among his loyal supporters. Recent election results, such as the Democratic victory in the Miami mayoral election, suggest that voters are turning against him. The new mayor-elect, Eileen Higgins, said that the city is "at the tip of the spear" of affordability concerns in America, which is an issue that Trump’s speech failed to address. Additionally, Trump’s influence is declining among congressional Republicans, who are starting to distance themselves from him and reject his demands and policies. This is likely to continue in the coming year, as Republicans look to distance themselves from Trump’s toxic brand and focus on their own re-election campaigns.
Rebellion Against Trump
The rebellion against Trump is not limited to Democrats and independents. Even congressional Republicans are starting to push back against his demands and policies. For example, they have rejected his demand to end the filibuster, rebuked his incipient healthcare plan, and forced him to cave on the Epstein files. They have also refused to approve his proposal for $2,000 tariff checks for Americans, and are expressing concerns about his boat strikes off the coasts of Central and South America. This growing opposition to Trump’s policies and behavior is likely to continue to undermine his influence and credibility in the coming year.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Trump’s "Christmas speech" in rural Pennsylvania was a disaster, marked by boasts, attacks, and a lack of empathy and understanding. His popularity is waning, even among his loyal supporters, and his influence is declining among congressional Republicans. As the year comes to a close, it’s clear that Trump’s time in the spotlight is limited, and that he will likely continue to face opposition and criticism in the coming year. As Robert Reich, a former US secretary of labor, noted, "Trump won’t steal Christmas, but it’s looking increasingly likely that Christmas will steal Trump."
