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Trump's Economic Claims Challenged Amid Soaring Consumer Discontent

12/1/2025

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Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump faces critique from economist Justin Wolfers on MS NOW, who says Trump's tariff revenue claim is mistaken.
Wolfers notes consumer confidence is near an all-time low, worse than in the Great Recession and the pandemic.
About 60% of Americans rate economic policy quality as poor, signaling widespread dissatisfaction.
Wolfers concludes Trump has lost the battle of ideas on economic policy, raising concerns about future consumer spending.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump faces critique from economist Justin Wolfers on MS NOW, who says Trump's tariff revenue claim is mistaken.
Wolfers notes consumer confidence is near an all-time low, worse than in the Great Recession and the pandemic.
About 60% of Americans rate economic policy quality as poor, signaling widespread dissatisfaction.
Wolfers concludes Trump has lost the battle of ideas on economic policy, raising concerns about future consumer spending.