Trump’s comments reveal an out-of-touch billionaire, critics say
The president has never pretended to be ordinary. But a recent “truth bomb” opened him to criticism.
From The Times
May 18, 2026

President Trump has never pretended to be an ordinary American. But his recent actions and remarks have opened him up to criticism that he doesn’t grasp the economic strain of his war with Iran.

Article Image

Doug Mills/The New York Times

Even his allies struggled to defend him after a stunningly frank comment. →

MORE TOP STORIES

A bar chart showing whether voters think Donald Trump’s decision to go to war with Iran was the right decision or the wrong decision, according to a May New York Times/Siena poll. Thirty percent of respondents think it was the right decision, and sixty-four percent think it was the wrong decision. Five percent of Democrats think it was the right decision, and seventy-three percent think it was the wrong decision. Twenty-one percent of independents think it was the right decision, and seventy-three think it was the wrong decision. Seventy percent of Republicans think it was the right decision, and twenty-two percent think it was the wrong decision.

President Trump’s approval rating has hit a second-term low, a New York Times/Siena poll found. →

An image of Laura Oswald and Christine DeGrange standing side-by-side, as seen through a window, with a reflection of Susan Saulny.

This is the story of how an American secret, once a matter of life or death, unfolded across generations. →

Five keys attached to an outline drawing of a house.

From Opinion

America needs to build more housing, the Editorial Board writes. →

It's a pivotal moment for American politics. Join us for 2026 and beyond.

Sign up for the On Politics newsletter.

It's a pivotal moment for American politics. Join us for 2026 and beyond.

Get it in your inbox

If you received this newsletter from someone else, subscribe here.

Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance.

You received this message because you signed up for updates from The New York Times.

To stop receiving From The Times, unsubscribe. To opt out of other promotional emails from The Times, including those regarding The Athletic, manage your email settings.

Subscribe to The Times

Connect with us on:

facebookxinstagramwhatsapp

Change Your EmailPrivacy PolicyContact UsCalifornia Notices

Zeta LogoAdChoices Logo

The New York Times Company. 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018