Trump voters have mixed feelings about the economy but support the president's strategy abroad

Описание: (20 Feb 2026)
RESTRICTION SUMMARY:

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Rome, Georgia - 19 February 2026
1. Various of U.S. President Donald Trump supporters at a Trump rally
2. SOUNDBITE (English) Denise Carter, Trump supporter:
"Right now, I'm not seeing much for myself. I'm a small business owner, I have a flower shop here, and I probably experienced the worst Valentine in my 45-year career as a florist. And I'm not sure if it was, been on the weekend or if it was the economy, I'm not sure."
3. Close up of a Trump pin
4. SOUNDBITE (English) Denise Carter, Trump supporter:
"He's the guy everybody loves to hate as far as the rest of the world and he's a superpower, so... But he's prepared to handle what comes his way. So, you know when you're a power like that you're always the target. But we just have to keep flexing our muscles, you know. I think as long as Trump is in, I'm concerned with after he gets out of office, what's down the road for America, that's very concerning."
5. Close up of a woman's phone filming the venue
6. SOUNDBITE (English) Scott Johnson, Trump supporter:
"Grocery prices are better, are down, gas prices are down, affordability is a big issue, and everything is more affordable since President Trump was put in an office. And we're all making a little more money I think so, the economy is improving under President Trump."
7. Mid of Trump supporters at the rally
8. SOUNDBITE (English) Scott Johnson, Trump supporter:
"And I think America is once again respected around the world, or feared, whichever you prefer, we'll take it either way but, he's making America great again."
9. Wide of Trump supporters at the rally
10. SOUNDBITE (English) Jonathan Connel, Trump supporter and business owner:
"It's been tough, I mean tariffs have been tough, right? It added a whole layer to business. But in my opinion you flip the coin over, look at the positive side and you make the best out of whatever is in front of you. So, I mean I'm grateful to be in business, grateful to be in America where you can actually provide in a free company."
11. Trump supporters walking at the rally
STORYLINE:
The White House insisted that President Donald Trump was visiting Georgia to promote the economy.

But in the opening minutes of his first stop at a local restaurant before touring a steel company, the president raised debunked claims of voter fraud, talked up his plan to require voters to show identification before casting ballots, and discussed the recent FBI raid of election offices in the state’s most populous county.

“They came in, they took all those ballots; all those crooked ballots were taken,” Trump said. “And the Democrats are fighting like hell. They don’t want anyone to see those ballots. Let’s see what happens.”

Later at Coosa Steel Corporation, the president charged that Democrats “cheated like dogs” in the 2020 election.

The White House has long said Trump would focus more on the economy, and he frequently complains that he doesn’t get enough credit for it.

But recent months have been dominated by other issues, including deadly clashes during deportation efforts in Minneapolis, potential military action in Iran, and his false claims that the 2020 election was stolen.

Trump’s destination in Georgia suggests he has something else on his mind, too.

He was appearing in the congressional district previously represented by Marjorie Taylor Greene, a former supporter who resigned in January after feuding with Trump.

AP Video by Emilie Megnien.

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