Golden Age Promise Fades: Trump’s Economy Sees Stalled Jobs Growth and Persistent Inflation Woes in 2025
President Trump’s “golden age” economic vision is tarnishing fast, with 2025 data revealing stalled job growth and stubborn inflation eroding public confidence. November’s jobs report added just 150,000 positions—below forecasts—while unemployment ticked to 4.3%, far from the sub-4% boom promised.
Inflation lingers at 4.2%, driven by energy costs and supply snarls, despite tariffs aimed at “America First” manufacturing. Critics blame deregulatory policies for exacerbating price hikes in groceries (up 5%) and housing. “The golden age feels like fool’s gold,” quipped economist Paul Krugman.
Trump points to global factors—OPEC cuts, Ukraine fallout—and highlights stock market highs (Dow at 45,000). His team touts drug price cuts and marijuana reclassification as growth catalysts. Yet consumer sentiment plummets, with 58% rating the economy “poor” per Reuters.
Approval at 36% reflects this fade, compounded by Epstein files backlash. Blue states suffer most, but even red areas feel the pinch.
As 2026 nears, Trump vows tax cuts and infrastructure. But without quick wins, discontent grows. The golden promise dims—can he reignite it?
