Economy-focused Trump tour to start in northeastern Pennsylvania

President Donald Trump is scheduled to travel around the country in the coming weeks to highlight his economic agenda, as part of an effort to drum up support ahead of the key 2026 midterm elections. 

Axios reported Thursday that the president’s first stop will be in northeastern Pennsylvania on Tuesday, a state he won with just over 50% of the vote in 2024. It appears to be his first visit to the commonwealth since attending an energy summit in Pittsburgh in July. 

People across the country are growing increasingly frustrated with the cost of living — and Trump’s approval rating has fallen to 38% in response, according to a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll. The Democratic party notched several wins in last month’s elections, including the commonwealth’s judicial retention vote and flipped several municipal races. Democrats also picked up affordability-focused gubernatorial wins in New Jersey and Virginia. 

The historically slim GOP majority in Congress has stymied some of Trump’s policies, and politicos predict that a Democratic sweep in 2026 would further threaten administrative priorities. Northeastern Pennsylvania’s 8th Congressional District, currently held by GOP U.S. Rep. Bob Bresnahan, is on Democrats’ shortlist for opportunities next year. 

A White House official didn’t confirm a time or place when asked by WVIA, an NPR member station. The news organization notes several NEPA Trump visits over the years, including two in 2024 in Wilkes-Barre Township and Scranton. 

Last month, The New York Times reported that the 79-year-old had fewer public events on his schedule than he did during his first term with less domestic travel. It noted most public appearances fell between noon and 5 p.m., and the president appeared drowsy at recent press conferences, as detailed in the story.