WASHINGTON – At a rally in North Carolina on Wednesday, former President Donald Trump focused on escalating inflation and living expenses, hitting on topics that Republicans feel confident about, as Vice President Kamala Harris appears to be gaining support in recent polls ahead of her upcoming convention next week.

Trump, who has spent considerable time criticizing President Joe Biden’s management of the economy and the southern border, redirected some of his critique toward Harris during his speech in a critical state that he narrowly won in the 2020 election.

Referring to both Harris and Biden as “a team,” Trump criticized the administration’s record on crime and foreign policy while attempting to minimize Harris’ recent rise in popularity just weeks after she declared her candidacy and shortly before she is expected to accept her party’s nomination in Chicago.

Here’s a summary of the key points from Trump’s campaign event:

Harris’ Momentum

After Biden announced his withdrawal and backed Harris last month, it seems she has managed to close the polling gap that Trump had established following his debate performance against Biden on June 27.

The Cook Political Report mentioned on Wednesday that Harris is currently leading Trump in critical states including Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, North Carolina, and Arizona, with a tie in the crucial state of Georgia.

Despite this, Harris, who plans to deliver her own economic address in North Carolina on Friday, is not ahead of Trump in every aspect of the poll. Trump still has a 6-point lead over the vice president regarding who would be better at managing costs and inflation.

The poll also revealed that 49% of voters in swing states expressed greater concern about Harris’s ability to set economic policy, a decrease from 55% who felt the same about Biden in May.

Inflation Continues to Worry Americans

Trump’s visit to North Carolina occurred amid indications that inflation, one of his key talking points, may be easing.

The Labor Department reported on Wednesday that the annual inflation rate has dropped to 2.9%, the lowest level since 2021. Monthly prices saw a rise of 0.2%, with food prices increasing by 2.2% over the year. Energy costs were up by 1.1%, although gasoline prices had decreased.

The Democratic National Committee stated that the latest inflation figures substantiate that the “Biden-Harris” economic strategies are “fulfilling their promise to reduce costs and enhance the economy for all American families.”

However, in Asheville, North Carolina, Trump highlighted the ongoing climb in living expenses under the “Biden-Harris” administration and the financial strain felt by the average American. He committed to lowering various costs, including taxes and monthly expenses, which he has consistently aimed to address since his initial presidential run.

A Gallup poll earlier this year found that the percentage of Americans citing inflation or living costs as their families’ top financial issue reached new heights for the third consecutive year.

This indicates that discussions around the economy are expected to persist throughout the 2024 election season. The contest between Harris and Trump will largely center on who can persuade voters that they are the best choice for addressing financial concerns.

‘An Exciting Few Months Ahead’

Before heading to North Carolina, Trump cast his vote early in Florida ahead of the primary scheduled for Tuesday. He briefed reporters on various topics, including a cybersecurity breach against his campaign, and shared his anticipation for the upcoming months leading into the election.

“We have an exciting few months ahead of us,” Trump remarked.