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Vance Echoes Trump’s A‑Plus‑Plus‑Plus Grade While Allentown Residents Cite Rising Costs

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Trump’s A+++++ Economy Grade Faces Local Scrutiny President Trump proclaimed an “A+++++” economy during a Dec 9 rally in Pennsylvania, claiming falling prices and booming investment, but Allentown business leaders like Tony Iannelli and Tom Groves dismissed the rating as overly optimistic, labeling the real economy a B+ because of health‑care cost pressures[1]. Retiree Idalia Bisbal, who moved from New York three years ago, testified that rent, groceries, utilities and gas remain unaffordable, underscoring a disconnect between the administration’s claim and everyday experience[1]. The rally, the second high‑profile Trump visit to the state in a week, also featured Vice President JD Vance serving food to homeless men, highlighting the administration’s attempt to blend messaging with outreach[1].

Vance’s Dec 16 Speech Mirrors Trump’s Grade but Adds Tax Promise In a 20‑minute address on Dec 16, Vance echoed Trump’s self‑assessment by assigning an “A‑plus‑plus‑plus” grade to the economy, noting higher wages, lower inflation and increased investment while still blaming President Biden for high prices[2]. He pledged a “best tax season in 2026” under the proposed “One Big Beautiful Bill,” promising early‑2026 Republican tax provisions that would benefit Americans[2]. Vance’s rhetoric repeatedly attacked Biden—mentioning him over two dozen times—and framed the current economic situation as a “nightmare” inherited from the Democratic administration[2].

Poll Shows Declining Republican Economic Approval Ahead of Midterms An AP‑NORC poll released after the Pennsylvania visits found only 31 % of U.S. adults approve of Trump’s handling of the economy, down from 40 % in March, reflecting growing public anxiety about cost of living[1]. Internal Republican sources reported on Dec 11 that the party worries the affordability narrative could backfire in the upcoming midterms, suggesting the messaging may be a liability rather than an asset[2]. The combination of low approval numbers and internal concerns signals a potential challenge for GOP candidates in swing areas like Allentown[1][2].

Allentown Emerges as Crucial Battleground With Demographic Shifts Lehigh County, which swung toward Trump in 2024, proved narrowly contested by Harris, and Democrats secured a county‑executive victory in the fall, prompting the party to label Allentown a key battleground for 2026[1]. The city’s demographic landscape has shifted, with Latinos now forming a majority and Mayor Matt Tuerk leading a diverse coalition, factors that both parties are courting ahead of the primaries[1]. Governor Josh Shapiro’s endorsement of Bob Brooks for the May primary underscores the strategic importance Democrats place on the region amid its evolving electorate[1].

Sources

Timeline

Nov 2025 – A CBS/YouGov poll shows Trump’s economy approval drop 15 points since March to 36%, and a Politico poll finds half of voters say the cost of living is the worst it’s ever been, underscoring growing affordability concerns ahead of the 2026 midterms [1].

Dec 5, 2025 – From the Oval Office, President Trump calls affordability a “con job” and a “scam,” insisting the issue is a Democratic hoax while citing low gas and egg prices, and he announces an upcoming Pennsylvania trip to “end Biden’s inflation crisis” [5].

Dec 8, 2025 – The White House unveils a $12 billion farm aid package for producers hurt by low crop prices and tariffs, framing it as part of a broader effort to rewire the economy and lower living costs [1].

Dec 9, 2025 – President Trump travels to Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania, delivering a 90‑minute “affordability” rally at Mount Airy Casino Resort, claiming an “A+++++” economy, highlighting reduced gasoline and egg prices, and blaming Democrats for the cost‑of‑living crisis as the first of a series of 2026 midterm‑focused trips [4][1].

Dec 9, 2025 – A Fox News national survey finds 76 % of voters view the economy negatively, with cost‑of‑living issues topping concerns, and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick counters Trump’s “hoax” narrative, saying affordability is “the issue” for voters [4].

Dec 10, 2025 – Vice President JD Vance announces a Pennsylvania trip for the following week, planning a rally near Allentown on Tuesday that will echo Trump’s affordability message and position the Vice President as a key messenger on tax cuts and investment ahead of the new year [3].

Dec 11, 2025 – Republican leaders express internal worries that the affordability backlash could damage GOP chances in the 2026 midterms, highlighting strategic tensions within the party over the cost‑of‑living narrative [2].

Dec 16, 2025 – Vice President Vance delivers a 20‑minute affordability speech in Allentown, awarding Trump an “A‑plus‑plus‑plus” economic grade, pledging the “best tax season in 2026” under the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” and lambasting President Biden over two dozen times for the “nightmare” economy [2].

Dec 17, 2025 – Vance’s Allentown‑area rally proceeds, with the Vice President acknowledging the affordability crisis, blaming the Biden administration, and serving food to homeless men, reinforcing the administration’s outreach ahead of the 2026 elections [6].

Dec 20, 2025 – Allentown retiree Idalia Bisbal testifies that rent, groceries, utilities and gas remain unaffordable despite Trump’s “A+++++” claim; an AP‑NORC poll shows Trump’s economic approval at 31 %—down from 40 % in March—and local business leaders dismiss the president’s grade as overly optimistic [6][1].

2026 (future) – The GOP targets Pennsylvania’s 8th congressional district and other swing districts as battlegrounds for the 2026 midterms, with Trump slated for additional domestic trips and the “One Big Beautiful Bill” tax provisions expected to roll out early in the year, aiming to boost voter perception of affordability [1][3][2].

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