President Donald Trump is traveling to New York’s Hudson Valley on Friday to promote his recently enacted tax law in one of the most competitive House districts in the country, even as public approval of his handling of the economy has declined.
The appearance with Republican Rep. Mike Lawler comes at a time when voters have grown more skeptical of Trump’s economic stewardship. An AP-NORC poll released this week shows that roughly one-third of U.S. adults approve of how the president is managing the economy, down from 40 percent at the beginning of his second term.
Trump will speak at Rockland Community College in Suffern, where the focus will be on the expansion of the state and local tax deduction, known as SALT. The measure, which quadrupled the previous cap, is especially relevant in high-tax states such as New York.
White House spokesperson Liz Huston said the event will “highlight his strong record of making life more affordable for working families.” She noted that Trump also plans to contrast his approach with Democrats in Congress who opposed the tax legislation.
Lawler, who represents the 17th District, has embraced the president’s visit despite the district having been won by Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris in 2024. In an interview this week, Lawler said he is confident voters will judge him on his own record rather than solely on their feelings about Trump.
“Look, the people who hate the president -- and that’s their sole basis for their vote -- are likely never voting for me, and you know, obviously, you need to turn out your base, and you need people energized,” Lawler told The Associated Press. “Moreover, I have a record in my district that is one I’m very proud of, and a record that appeals to a broad middle.”
The congressman has worn a red cap emblazoned with “Mr. SALT” to draw attention to his role in securing the larger deduction. He said constituents in his district have received refund checks ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 following the changes.
Trump signed the expanded SALT provision last year after negotiations with Republican lawmakers, including Lawler. The new cap allows deductions up to $40,000, compared with the previous $10,000 limit established in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. White House data indicate the average tax refund for New Yorkers has risen to more than $3,800 under the updated rules.
National Republican Congressional Committee chairman Richard Hudson said the president’s appearance should help Lawler. “His poll numbers are pretty good in Lawler’s district,” Hudson said, adding that internal polling shows Democratic numbers declining in competitive areas.
Democrats have criticized the visit. Riya Vashi, a spokesperson for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, said the event shows Lawler “doesn’t understand” his district. “Nothing says ‘I don’t understand my district’ quite like Mike Lawler bringing Donald Trump to NY-17 to tout a disastrous economy that’s crushing working families at every turn,” Vashi said.
Gasoline prices have risen this year amid the ongoing conflict in Iran, contributing to voter frustration with the economy. Trump had pledged during the campaign to lower costs, but those increases have weighed on his approval ratings.
More than 5,000 people registered for the event within the first 12 hours after sign-ups opened, according to Lawler. The gathering is being held as an official White House event rather than a campaign rally.
Five Democrats are competing for the nomination to challenge Lawler in November. The Democratic primary is scheduled for June 23.
Trump formally endorsed Lawler for reelection last year at a time when the congressman was considering a run for governor. The endorsement was widely viewed as an effort to keep the seat in Republican hands rather than risk an open contest.