In Video: Meet the Press NOW — April 24
Meet the Press Now: President Trump’s Handling of Economy and Inflation Comes Under Fire
As the Trump administration marks its 100th day in office, new polls show a majority of voters have soured on the president’s handling of inflation and the cost of living. The latest NBC News Stay tuned poll reveals 60% of Americans disapprove of President Trump’s handling of these issues, a core aspect of his election campaign.
Economic Uncertainty
The White House has been dealing with uncertainty in the economy, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average plummeting by 1,500 points in the past week. Take-home sales have also hit their lowest growth rate since 2009, with cargo ships from China experiencing a 44% decline in shipments to the West Coast ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.
Tariffs and Trade
President Trump has been emphasizing progress on tariff negotiations with China, but the process remains uncertain. Russia’s launch of deadly strikes on Ukraine’s major cities has overshadowed the administration’s economic agenda. The president has taken to social media to express his frustration, using the hashtag #VladimirStop.
Immigration Agenda
The Trump administration’s immigration agenda has also faced legal setbacks. A federal judge has ordered the government to facilitate the return of another migrant, who was deported to El Salvador, despite a prior court settlement barring his removal. The administration has also faced criticism for targeting sanctuary cities, with a judge blocking a portion of President Trump’s executive order related to federal funding.
Education
President Trump has taken to Twitter to attack Harvard University, calling it anti-Semitic and threatening democracy. The administration has also signed executive orders aimed at accreditation and remaking higher education.
Panel Discussion
A panel of experts joined Meet the Press Now to discuss the Trump administration’s policies and the latest developments. Susan Paige, Washington bureau chief for USA Today, argued that the Democratic Party needs to find a coherent message to respond to President Trump’s economic policies. Andrew Bates, former deputy White House press secretary in the Biden administration, emphasized the importance of holding President Trump accountable for his broken promises. Lonnie Chen, fellow at the Hoover Institution, believed that President Trump has an opportunity to clearly explain his tariff policy and make the case to the American people.
Gen Z Poll
The latest NBC News Stay tuned poll also revealed that Gen Z Americans have a negative view of President Trump’s handling of inflation, with 69% disapproving of his economic policies. The poll also found that young people believe that America would be stronger if women held traditional gender roles, with a stark difference between the views of young men and women.
Iran Nuclear Talks
Negotiations between the US and Iran over the nuclear program are set to resume, with President Trump expressing optimism about the talks. However, Iran’s foreign ministry has expressed cautious optimism, warning the US against making unrealistic demands. The mood on the ground in Iran is one of hope, with people looking forward to change and potential sanctions relief.
