Trump administration gaslights supporters about the economy

In a recent interview, Sarah Matthews, a former deputy press secretary for Donald Trump, accused the current Trump administration of gaslighting Americans regarding the economy. She specifically criticized Kevin Hassett's claims that the economy is doing 'amazing,' arguing that many voters feel misled. Matthews pointed out that the economic problems faced by Trump are largely self-inflicted, contrasting them with the challenges faced by President Biden, which she attributes to external factors. She expressed that this behavior is a betrayal of the supporters who believed in Trump's promises.

Trump administration gaslights supporters about the economy
1 source
politics Published Aug 3, 2026

Topic overview

In brief

  • Sarah Matthews criticized the Trump administration's messaging on the economy.
  • She highlighted the contradiction in Republican claims about economic performance.
  • Matthews concluded that the administration's actions are a betrayal of their supporters.

Summary

In a recent interview, Sarah Matthews, who served as a deputy press secretary during Donald Trump's first term, criticized the current Trump administration for its misleading messaging regarding the state of the economy. Matthews, now a vocal critic of Trump, highlighted comments made by Kevin Hassett, Trump's top economic adviser, who claimed that the economy was performing 'amazing.' She pointed out the hypocrisy of Republicans who previously mocked the Biden administration for similar claims, arguing that the Trump administration is now engaging in the same behavior. Matthews emphasized that many Americans feel deceived, as they voted for Trump based on promises to lower prices and improve economic conditions. Instead, she argued that the economic issues faced by the Trump administration are largely self-inflicted, citing misguided tariffs and foreign policy decisions as contributing factors. Matthews concluded that the continued gaslighting of supporters is a betrayal of those who placed their trust in Trump to deliver on his promises. This situation reflects a broader trend in political messaging, where administrations may prioritize narrative over reality, leading to disillusionment among their base. The ongoing economic challenges, exacerbated by external factors like the pandemic and geopolitical tensions, further complicate the narrative and raise questions about accountability and transparency in political communication.

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Updated Aug 3, 2026

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