President Donald Trump deviated from his prepared remarks at a recent roundtable event promoting Republican tax policies, questioning the term ‘corner store’ and stating that lower-income individuals do not focus on deductions.
Confusion Over ‘Corner Store’
Addressing the audience, Trump expressed unfamiliarity with the phrase. ‘What is a corner store?’ he asked. ‘I’ve never heard that term. I know what a corner store is, but I’ve never heard it described as a ‘corner store.’ Who the hell wrote that?’
Views on Tax Deductions
Highlighting new deductions in recent GOP legislation, Trump contrasted behaviors across income levels. ‘Rich people always look for deductions,’ he said. ‘Middle class and middle-income people, poorer people—they don’t think in terms of deductions.’
Officials note that roughly half of American tax-filers now utilize these Trump-era policies, with about five million people opening ‘Trump account’ savings pools for newborns.
Economy Amid Iran Conflict
Trump described the current economy as stronger than during his first term, despite what he called a ‘little diversion to the lovely country of Iran.’ The conflict has halted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil route.
National average gas prices have surged to $4.09 per gallon from $2.92 before the war, according to AAA data. In Nevada, prices approach $5 per gallon. The IMF warns the war risks triggering a global recession.
Earlier at the White House, Trump told reporters gas prices ‘aren’t very high,’ citing a rising stock market buoyed by hopes of a swift end to the conflict. At the Vegas event, he labeled the resulting inflation ‘fake inflation.’
Market Reactions to Leadership
Acknowledging his influence on markets, Trump praised Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. ‘When he speaks, the whole market gets soothed,’ Trump said. ‘When I speak, the whole market goes a little jittery. I say Scott, go out there, clean it for me.’
