Ahead of former President Donald Trump’s economy-focused speech in a critical swing district of Northeastern Pennsylvania, his self-assessment of an “A-plus-plus-plus-plus-plus” has sparked controversy and debate among political leaders. Pennsylvania Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro, responding to Trump’s comments in an exclusive statement to POLITICO, expressed strong disagreement with the former President’s glowing evaluation of his economic policies.

“The President’s statement does not reflect the reality on the ground here in a community where many Pennsylvanians voted for him in the last election,” Shapiro remarked. He criticized Trump's economic strategies, stating, “The record is clear: his policies have hurt the very communities that propelled him to the White House. Trump’s tariffs and economic policies have raised prices at the grocery store, shuttered markets for our farmers, hurt our manufacturers, and dramatically increased the cost of living for Pennsylvanians.”

During his interview with POLITICO, Trump confidently rated his economic performance with the highest marks, a stance that appears at odds with recent polling and economic indicators. A recent POLITICO poll and the latest Consumer Price Index report, showing a 3% rise in prices over the past year, suggest that American voters are feeling the financial squeeze, contrary to Trump’s assertions.

The economic debate takes on additional layers with comments from Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, another potential Democratic presidential candidate for 2028, who sarcastically noted on social media platform X that Trump’s grading must be “on a curve that excludes rent, groceries, and healthcare.”

Trump’s top advisers, meanwhile, are framing his Pennsylvania trip as a reboot of his affordability message, despite his continued insistence on a strong economy. Steve Bannon, a prominent supporter of Trump's MAGA movement, defended Trump’s capabilities in conveying his economic policies. “If you're gonna go on the road, show that you’re the best person to sell his program,” Bannon told POLITICO.

In contrast, Pennsylvania State Treasurer and GOP gubernatorial candidate Stacy Garrity, who supports Trump’s tariffs, is looking forward to aligning with Trump rather than opposing him, as Shapiro has positioned himself. Her spokesperson, Matt Beynon, emphasized her anticipation of partnering with Trump to promote economic policies that could benefit Pennsylvanians.

As the midterms approach, the economy remains a pivotal issue. Trump’s remarks and the responses they have provoked illustrate the starkly different perspectives on economic recovery and management between the two parties. With both sides holding firm in their views, the debate over economic policy and its impact on ordinary Americans is set to intensify.