Trump Falsely Claims Consumer Confidence is 'Way Up' Despite Record Lows

On May 4, 2026, President Trump claimed via White House press release that 'Consumer confidence is way up,' a statement contradicted by multiple economic metrics. PolitiFact fact-checked the claim and rated it false. Traditional consumer confidence measures showed sentiment at or near all-time lows during his second term, with a PBS/NPR/Marist poll revealing 63% of Americans felt the economy was not working well for them. The Democratic National Committee reported consumer sentiment had dropped to its lowest level ever recorded (specific index values not disclosed in available sources). Despite these indicators showing consumer confidence approximately 30-40% below pre-pandemic levels, the White House issued press releases asserting economic strength. Trump's economic adviser Kevin Hassett attempted to spin increased credit card spending as positive, which critics noted actually indicated financial strain rather than confidence. The statement was made without citing specific data so...

"Consumer confidence is way up." — Statement made via White House press release on May 4, 2026, regarding economic conditions during Trump's second term