Wednesday night, President Donald Trump spoke to the nation in an 18-minute, live address. During his speech, which spanned a variety of topics, the president made the case for why he thinks the country is better off since he took office. Trump described the country a year ago as “absolutely d ead.” “Now, we’re the hottest country in the world,” he said. The speech comes as President Trump’s approval ratings have dipped in recent polls, including NBC’s latest poll, which shows President Trump’s approval rating down one point from last month at 42%. During the speech, the president placed the blame for economic strife on President Biden’s administration, saying there was record-high inflation under his predecessor. While inflation was high under President Biden, economists say it was not record-setting and was roughly what it is now. Trump seemed to address the public’s concerns about the economy in his speech. “I am bringing those high prices down and bringing them down very fast,” he said. Trump also announced that his administration is sending out checks he is calling “warrior dividends” of $1,776 to all military members. The $1,776 amount is meant to coincide with the nation’s 250th birthday, which happens in 2026. The president also announced a new website to lower prescription drug costs. “You, the people, are finally going to be getting good health care at a lower cost,” he said. John Dennis, who serves on the board of the California Republican Party, thought the president’s speech was an effective way to get the attention of the American people. “It was important for him to, sort of, I think get ahold of the narrative and remind people of where we were just 10 to 11 months ago,” Dennis said. But Democratic Senator Mark Kelly (D-Arizona) told MSNOW he is doubtful of the president’s promises. “He says this stuff is going to happen, there’s no policy. And I’m wondering why he’s so angry, desperate, and defensive,” Kelly said. University of San Francisco Politics Professor James Taylor maintained that many Americans are feeling crushed by economic pressure, and that will likely shape how they see whoever is in office. “I think this may have been Donald Trump’s attempt to make us feel better as he told us how great we’re all doing, but again that presses against the reality that people are feeling every day int heir pockets right now,” Taylor said. ...read more read less