Key facts
- Donald Trump dismissed his low poll ratings as "fake numbers" in a Time magazine interview.
- Trump acknowledged that US munitions supplies are "a little bit lower" due to the Iran war.
- He stated that US weapons manufacturers are building plants to manufacture Patriots and THAADs.
- Trump rejected an Iranian proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
- He suggested a resumption of hostilities with Iran was "possible" after the November elections.
- Only 26% of US adults approved of Trump's handling of the economy in an Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll.
Donald Trump, in a wide-ranging interview with Time magazine, dismissed his low poll ratings as "fake numbers" and asserted that pollsters are corrupt. He also deflected questions regarding his remarks on the length of the Iran war, blaming the media for misrepresenting his statements. Trump insisted he could have ended the conflict sooner but chose to extend it.
Americans are experiencing higher costs due to Trump's policies, with gas prices surpassing $4 per gallon and inflation at 3.4%. Economic concerns have led to low approval ratings for Trump's handling of the economy and his overall job performance, with only 26% of adults approving of the economy and 31% approving of his presidency, according to an Associated Press/NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll.
Despite these figures, Trump claimed he is doing well and that the US has the "strongest economy." However, 74% of Americans told AP/NORC that the economy was performing poorly, and 65% blamed Trump's policies for higher costs. These voter frustrations could impact Republican candidates in the upcoming midterm elections.
Trump also expressed regret over appointing Supreme Court justices Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett, stating they have voted against him too often.