President Donald Trump speaks during a gathering at the Mount Airy Casino Resort in Mount Pocono, Pa., Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
President Trump gives the U.S. economy — his economy — an “A+++++,” and he considers any claims to the contrary a Democratic “hoax.” And to be sure, many people and companies are doing well. But rising bankruptcy rates among large and small businesses, health care companies, farmers and many others indicate the economy is facing some economic challenges that policymakers, and especially Trump, dare not ignore.