Trump to Outline Future Agenda Amid Popularity Challenges

Wed Dec 17 2025 23:31:01 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As President Trump prepares to address the nation from the White House, he aims to highlight achievements and future plans while facing dwindling approval ratings amid economic concerns.

In a significant speech scheduled for Wednesday night, President Donald Trump is set to present his agenda for the upcoming year and beyond at a pivotal moment in his presidency. With recent polling reflecting concerns over his economic policies and popularity, Trump aims to steer the conversation towards his administrations' achievements and projected future improvements. His team claims that improved messaging could lead to renewed support from the American public.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump intends to preview his agenda for next year and beyond in a live speech from the White House on Wednesday night, remarks that come at a crucial juncture as he tries to rebuild his steadily eroding popularity.

The White House offered few details about what the Republican president intends to emphasize in the 9 p.m. ET speech. Public polling shows most U.S. adults are frustrated with his handling of the economy as inflation picked up after his tariffs raised prices and hiring slowed.

The president’s mass deportations of immigrants have also proven unpopular, even as he’s viewed favorably for halting crossings along the U.S. border with Mexico. The public has generally been nonplussed by his income tax cuts and globe-trotting efforts to end conflicts, attack drug boats near Venezuela and attract investment dollars into the U.S.

In 2026, Trump and his party face a referendum on their leadership as the nation heads into the midterm elections that will decide control of the House and the Senate.

Trump has said that he thinks more Americans would back him if they simply heard him describe his track record, which administration officials say will reverse the recent decline in manufacturing jobs and dramatically increase tax refunds next year.

“It has been a great year for our Country, and THE BEST IS YET TO COME!” Trump said in a Tuesday social media post announcing the speech.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said that Trump would discuss his achievements this year and his plans for the remainder of his second term. However, addresses to the nation often can carry a toned-down tone that appeals to some voters while alienating others.

As Trump prepares to broadcast his vision for the future, he continues to grapple with the challenges of waning support, rising inflation, and an increasingly fragile job market. Furthermore, his administration's recent economic decisions are under scrutiny, as the public expresses dissatisfaction over job growth and economic stability.