Trump touts record U.S. household income as critics cite inflation and high rates

Donald Trump claimed the U.S. has its best financial numbers ever, pointing to record real median household income, a record-low poverty rate and goods exports on pace for a 2026 high. S&P Global also reported U.S. business growth at its highest level in more than five years, excluding the post-COVID reopening period.

Critics point to inflation, fuel prices, interest rates and weak consumer sentiment as evidence that the headline numbers do not match household pressure. The dispute is whether those record indicators capture the cost of living, while S&P’s comparison excludes the reopening surge.