(NewsNation) — President Donald Trump kicked off a nationwide tour Tuesday with a lengthy speech on the state of America amid affordability concerns.

The president blamed rising prices on Democrats, though new polling shows voters are losing trust in his handling of the economy. In Pennsylvania, voters told NewsNation they feel Trump isn’t doing enough to lower costs.

With the midterm elections less than a year away, Trump aims to make affordability a central issue. He began his speech by thanking the commonwealth for its support in the presidential election, which he said “kicked a–.”

The president spent much of his time rebuking the Democratic Party and repeatedly criticized former President Joe Biden, describing him with expletives and as someone who would have destroyed the United States.

He noted National Guardsman Andrew Wolfe, who was shot in Washington, D.C., last month, stood up today at the hospital. The president said the suspect, Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal, will face the death penalty if convicted.

Electricity costs jolt US households

During Tuesday’s stop in Pennsylvania, Trump was expected to reference data such as Freddie Mac’s, which shows the average 30-year mortgage rate at 6.19%, down a half percentage point from last year.

However, electricity costs continue to climb, with the U.S. Energy Information Administration reporting a 7.4% increase nationwide and a 15% jump in Pennsylvania.

Government data shows Pennsylvania has 28,000 fewer total jobs this year compared to last year, though manufacturing jobs have grown by 4,000.

$100B investment secured for PA: Trump

During his rally, Trump said 60,000 new jobs have been created in Pennsylvania. He described the media discussions surrounding affordability as a “hoax.”

“Since my inauguration, we have created nearly 60,000 new Pennsylvania jobs, including 4,000 Pennsylvania manufacturing jobs … and we saved a great American company: U.S. Steel,” Trump said.

“I have no higher priority than making America affordable again. … They (Democrats) gave you high prices, and we’re bringing those prices down,” he added.

Trump added, “We’ve secured commitments for nearly $100 billion dollars of investment in Pennsylvania.”

The president told his supporters, “Before I took office, 100% of all net new jobs were going to migrants and illegals. Since I took office, 100% of all net job creation is going to American citizens — and now, more Americans are working than any time in the history of our country.”

Pennsylvanians split on affordability

Ahead of Trump’s visit, Pennsylvanians were divided on affordability.

One resident told NewsNation, “We’re still struggling even when we have our money coming through. We had to suffer going almost a week with no food.”

Another said, “Food prices are up, but I think gas is coming down. I think things are getting a lot better.”

Yet another added, “The economy’s down the tubes. Health care is awful, prescriptions are terrible, groceries are off the charts. I think the only way we’re going to do better is if he gets out and somebody else gets in.”

If prices remain high, the issue of affordability is likely to intensify as the midterm elections approach next year.

Gov. Shapiro rebukes the president

Pennsylvania Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro suggested Tuesday that President Trump is in an “alternative reality” when it comes to his affordability messaging.

“The President’s statement does not reflect the reality on the ground here in a community where many Pennsylvanians voted for him in the last election,” Shapiro said.

“The record is clear: his policies have hurt the very communities that propelled him to the White House. Trump’s tariffs and economic policies have raised prices at the grocery store, shuttered markets for our farmers, hurt our manufacturers, and dramatically increased the cost of living for Pennsylvanians.” 

Shapiro added, “Bringing his alternative reality and talking points to our Commonwealth won’t bring down the cost of groceries or make life more affordable for working families.

“Instead of trying to put on a show, he should get to work with Democrats and Republicans to actually cut costs for hard-working families – as we have done here in Pennsylvania.”