26% APPROVAL ON ECONOMY… ‘I DON’T KNOW WHAT THE HELL’S WRONG’

Most Americans blame Trump for high prices as his economic approval hits new low, AP-NORC poll shows

WASHINGTON (AP) — Americans are deeply frustrated with President Donald Trump’s handling of the economy and rising prices, with most panning his performance and blaming his policies as higher costs threaten his party’s chances in November.

A new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research finds that only 17% of U.S. adults approve of the Republican president’s handling of the cost of living. Just 26% approve of his handling of the economy overall, marking a new low.

A majority, 65%, of U.S. adults now blame Trump’s policies for persistently high costs more than factors outside of his control, signaling growing weariness over his aggressive use of tariffs and continued unhappiness with the war with Iran.

The dismal numbers come just weeks before midterm elections that will determine whether Republicans maintain control of Congress and while Trump is hitting the campaign trail with an aggressive schedule of rallies. But Trump — who has asked voters to pretend that he is on the ballot as he tries to bolster turnout — remains deeply unpopular, with even many Republicans faulting him for failing to deliver on promised relief.

One giant ego trip

Before you do anything else today, you should read the transcript of TIME’s brand-new interview with President Trump.

The interview begins and ends with Trump’s complaints about the media. Even when asked about Iran or the Senate, he circles back around to his feelings about how his presidency is covered.

“You haven’t asked me one fucking positive question,” Trump said toward the end.

The entire interview is highly emotional like that. “Well, I hope I get a decent story,” he concluded. “I don’t think—you know, it’s hard to get a good story. Every question’s a hit. I don’t know what the hell’s wrong.”