Welcome back to The Conversation, where Newsweek highlights reader comments from the past week. We turn our focus this week to President Donald Trump, who on Wednesday night delivered a year-end address to the nation.
The 18-minute speech saw Trump cover topics ranging from economic claims to immigration, energy, housing, health care and crime, while also offering a list of promises and predictions about the year ahead.
Trump leaned on sweeping assertions about prices, border security, employment, and his own election results. He described a country that had been “absolutely dead” before his return to office which had now become, he said, “the hottest anywhere in the world.”
The speech came as he faces weak approval ratings in recent polling and pressure to stabilize the economy ahead of the November 2026 midterm elections.
It was met with both praise by some, and backlash from his critics—and even sparked a flurry of memes on social media, with one user on X writing: “This presidential address could have been an email.”
Supporters, however, said the address struck an optimistic tone, arguing that Trump outlined a clear vision for economic growth, national security and what he framed as a broader turnaround for the country.
Here is what Newsweek’s readers had to say:
On Reactions to Trump’s Speech
Original Article: Donald Trump’s Presidential Address Sparks Avalanche of Memes
Background: There was a range of reactions to the speech in which Trump touched on the economy, crime, immigration, and other policy areas.
Original Comment: “His speech was exactly what the country thought it would be. “WRONG”…trump did what most thought he would do. Use false figures to promote his inabilities to try and say he is winning.
“He is winning at losing and takes the prize for his kumbaya self promotion that does absolutely nothing to improve our economic situation. He is trying to get ahead of the first of the year painful situation that’s coming. His speech was no cure for his blunders. If all he has is speeches, we need real leadership, not someone pretending to be one.” Timekeeper
Editor’s Note: In response to the article, this commenter shared their strong views on the president’s speech, questioning the accuracy of his claims and arguing that rhetoric alone does little to address economic concerns.
Original Comment: “This historic speech was a much needed Christmas message for the American people during a time when leftist propagandists have worked overtime to destroy the meaning of the season and the fighting spirit of citizens. Donald J. Trump delivered a vital injection of reality, truth, and patriotism into the national discourse.” WaynePatriot
Editor’s Note: Taking a different approach, this commenter praised the president’s address as timely and uplifting, framing it as a message of patriotism and resolve. They argued the speech countered what they see as negative political narratives and reinforced traditional values.
Original Comment: “What a surprise, lol! A lie laced rant with DJT yelling at the camera thinking the more he yelled, that Americans would actually believe a word out of his mouth. Desperation is hitting full throttle at the white house.” cbcb462
Editor’s Note: Reacting skeptically, this commenter dismissed the president’s address as misleading and overly combative, suggesting the tone reflected political pressure rather than substantive policy messaging.
On Trump’s End-of-Year Claims
Original Article: Five Falsehoods From Trump’s Year-End Address
Background: The speech combined factual and false claims with overstatement and inflated language, a pattern consistent with Trump’s past addresses. Newsweek took a look at five examples that were misleading.
Original Comment: “Nobody else is to blame for Trump tariff taxes, Trump damage to international trade and loss of markets (like agriculture), and the Trump big beautiful bloated budget bill. Trump unemployment is surging and health care costs are about to skyrocket and Trump can’t blame anyone else for the mess.” ciaconna
Editor’s Note: Responding critically, this commenter attributed economic and trade challenges directly to the president’s policies, including tariffs and budget decisions. They argued that rising costs and job concerns reflect outcomes for which the administration bears responsibility.
On Trump’s Economic Statements
Original Article: Trump Says Prices Falling as CPI Shows 2.7% Rise
Background: During the prime‑time speech, the president insisted inflation was easing, even as new data showed consumer prices rising 2.7 percent over the past year. The remarks come as the White House faces voter frustration over high costs.
Original Comment: “President Trump has done more for Americans in the last 11 months than obama and biden combined. In fact, I can’t think of anything significant obama or biden did. The dem party greased the skids of inflation, divide, crime, radical ideology and the open border disaster.
“President Trump’s speech was spot on. 2026 will be spectacular for the economy.” Music Intermission
Editor’s Note: In contrast to critics, this commenter strongly defended the president’s economic record, crediting him with outperforming recent Democratic administrations. They echoed Trump’s optimism about inflation easing and expressed confidence in a strong economic outlook heading into 2026.
Thank you for keeping the conversation going on this topic and more. Make sure to check out more highlighted comments over the next few weeks.
