Trump, Vance offer contrasting pitches amid decade-low confidence

President Donald Trump has promoted an upbeat picture of the economy, calling it a “golden age” and dismissing affordability concerns, while Vice President JD Vance has acknowledged that voters are frustrated and that gas prices are too high. Vance’s more empathetic tone contrasts with Trump’s salesmanship as the administration seeks to maintain support ahead of the midterm elections. The differing messages come amid sharply weakened consumer confidence, higher mortgage rates, rising unemployment and energy costs that are adding to inflation and pushing up prices elsewhere.