KALISPELL, Mont. — On a recent day when U.S. inflation statistics indicated a 3.7% increase over the last year, President Donald Trump addressed a crowd at a rally in Montana, asserting, “We have very little inflation.”
While campaigning for Republican candidates during the concluding phase of a Western tour, Trump emphasized the strength of the economy, highlighting that poverty rates are down and incomes are climbing. He noted that over $22 trillion in investment is entering the country, spurring development and job creation across Montana and beyond.
“Everyone, we’re all having a good time,” Trump remarked, projecting a positive economic outlook. However, the sentiments expressed by many attendees starkly contrasted with his assertions.
Before Trump took the stage, several supporters shared concerns about rising costs of groceries, housing, and fuel. Moneen Ahlquist, an 84-year-old homemaker from Missoula, described her strategy of combining errands to save on fuel expenses. “We shop at grocery stores where we can pump our gas and get a few cents off,” she explained.
Similarly, Megan Gurhlke, a 44-year-old dairy farmer, expressed frustration about the financial strain her family is under, despite all four family members working full-time. “We can’t afford stuff because the prices are so bad,” she noted, asserting, “I represent the majority of our country. We barely make ends meet, but we push to do it.”
Despite these grievances, many supporters placed the blame for high prices on President Biden rather than Trump. Some expressed readiness to wait for Trump’s policies to take effect and improve their situation. Gary Hanson, a 67-year-old hardware store owner in Kalispell, suggested that economic recovery will be gradual: “It’s going to take a long time to turn everything around, and that’s what Trump is looking at.”
As Jennifer Piperakis, a 53-year-old attendee, prepared to see Trump, she shared her own struggle with rising fuel costs, stating that filling her truck with diesel costs her $200. Despite the economic pressures, she expressed her unwavering support for Trump, particularly for his commitment to veterans. “I love what he’s doing for veterans. He’s not about himself. He’s about trying to help,” she said.
Economic conditions often play a critical role in elections, and current polling suggests that voter dissatisfaction might threaten the Republican Party’s slim congressional majority. Trump’s campaign message, however, maintains that the economy is thriving. In his speech, he pointed to stock market gains that benefit retirement savings and alluded to high fuel costs, hinting that they are expected to decrease once global conflicts subside.
Additionally, Trump defended tariffs he has implemented on foreign nations, asserting that these measures have resulted in significant wealth accumulation. “We’re richer now,” he stated confidently, underscoring his view that the nation is experiencing unprecedented job growth. In conclusion, he reiterated his stance on inflation, claiming, “We don’t have inflation.”
