💛 A quick favor, if you've got a second.
We're really happy that you chose to read one of our stories and sincerely hope you'll stick around to read more. We took our paywall down — for now — but that won't last forever, and when the gate goes back up, we'd love for you to already be on the inside.
It's free. So please enter your email here and don't forget to like and follow us on all of your favorite Social Media platforms!
President Donald Trump is traveling to California and Nevada this week to highlight Republican economic policies and contrast them with Democratic approaches on inflation, border security and crime. The visit comes as the party seeks to maintain congressional control in November elections and shore up voter support ahead of the midterms.
Trump’s economic messaging faces headwinds from public sentiment. Only 32% of U.S. adults approved of his economic stewardship in a late July AP-NORC poll, while 69% characterized the economy as “poor.” Many Americans cited the rising cost of groceries and gas as major sources of financial stress in their households.
On Tuesday, Trump will attend a Republican National Committee fundraising dinner at a golf club his family operates in Rancho Palos Verdes near Los Angeles. The following day, he will address economic policy at Red Rock casino in Las Vegas, where Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo faces a competitive reelection battle against Democratic Attorney General Aaron Ford.
White House spokesperson Olivia Wales said Trump plans to “draw a sharp contrast between his commonsense agenda and the radical policies of Democrats like Gavin Newsom,” emphasizing tax cuts, government fraud reduction, and stricter immigration and crime enforcement. California’s Democratic governor has become one of the administration’s most visible opponents.
The two leaders have faced escalating tensions since Trump’s January 2025 wildfire relief visit. After Trump deployed National Guard troops and Marines to Los Angeles without Newsom’s consent during immigration enforcement operations, the governor publicly stated that “democracy is under assault.” The pair now regularly exchange barbs, with Trump using derogatory nicknames and Newsom countering on social media.
Newsom highlighted the contrast Monday, announcing California would raise its minimum wage to $17.40 an hour next year—more than double the $7.25 federal minimum. “Donald Trump and the GOP are still defending a $7.25 minimum wage while workers scrape by. Pitiful,” Newsom wrote.
Nevada faces distinct economic challenges including housing shortages, surging energy demands from artificial intelligence data centers, and federal program cuts. Trump’s economic pitch emphasizes manufacturing growth and income tax reductions, though high interest rates, elevated gas prices tied to regional conflicts, tariff impacts, and acknowledged housing shortages complicate his messaging.
More Stories
Trump Criticizes Chevron, Exxon Mobil Over Profits as Iran Nuclear Negotiations Intensify
McDonald’s Reports Stronger Second-Quarter Earnings While U.S. Sales Growth Slows Amid Consumer Spending Caution
Michigan Democratic Primary Highlights Party Divisions Ahead of Key Senate Race