In a highly anticipated appearance, former President Donald Trump took the stage in Rome, Georgia today to deliver remarks on the state of the economy. What this really means is that Trump is once again wading into the political fray, using his star power to boost Republican candidates ahead of the crucial midterm elections.
Revisiting Old Grievances
It didn't take long for Trump to veer off script and revive his familiar grievances about the 2020 election. He railed against the FBI raid of election offices in Fulton County, claiming without evidence that "crooked ballots" were seized. The bigger picture here is that Trump remains laser-focused on his false narrative of a "stolen" election, even as his party attempts to move the conversation toward more pressing economic concerns.
Courting the Base
Trump's visit to Georgia's 14th Congressional District, previously represented by the controversial Marjorie Taylor Greene, suggests he's intent on shoring up support among his most ardent supporters. As USA Today reports, a special election is underway to fill Greene's seat, with a crowded field of pro-Trump candidates vying to carry on her legacy. By inserting himself into this race, Trump is clearly aiming to energize his base and flex his political influence ahead of the midterms.
Economic Messaging Falls Flat
While the White House had billed this trip as an opportunity for Trump to tout his economic record, the former president seemed more interested in re-litigating the past than looking to the future. As ABC News reports, Trump spent the opening minutes of his remarks reviving his debunked claims of voter fraud, rather than focusing on issues like inflation and job growth that are top of mind for many voters.
The disconnect between Trump's political grievances and the economic concerns of ordinary Americans is likely to undermine his messaging in the run-up to the midterms. As the recent analysis on inflation shows, voters are increasingly worried about pocketbook issues, not relitigating past elections. Trump may find that his ability to sway the electorate is waning, even in a state as reliably red as Georgia.