Donald Trump told reporters that the United States currently has the 'best poverty numbers in the history of our country'. The former president made the remarks while discussing his administration's record ahead of November's midterm elections.
'We have the best, uh, I guess you could say poverty. They talk about poverty,' Trump said. 'We have the best poverty numbers ever in the history of our country. In other words, there's less poverty now than at any time in the history of our country.'
Record low remains 2019 figure
The lowest poverty rate ever recorded in the US was in 2019, when it stood at 10.5%, according to the US Census. However, the Census reported earlier this month that the poverty rate in 2025 remained unchanged from 2024, holding at 13.1%.
It remains unclear how policy changes from Trump's second administration will affect the 2026 poverty rate, which will not be published until next year.
Concerns over benefit cuts
Several pieces of legislation have cut Medicaid, food aid programmes and other government assistance, raising concerns that poverty levels could rise sharply once the 2026 figures are released.
In 2025, Trump's 'Big, Beautiful Bill' passed Congress, authorising $4.5 trillion in tax cuts. According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, the wealthiest households gained $12,000 from the legislation, while the poorest lost $1,600 a year, mainly due to reductions in Medicaid and food aid.
Deficit and coverage estimates
The Congressional Budget Office estimated the bill would add $3.4 trillion to the federal deficit and leave nearly 12 million Americans without health coverage over the next decade. The Trump administration disputed this, claiming the legislation would reduce the deficit by more than $5 trillion.
Meanwhile, Americans are facing rising costs as the war in Iran pushes gas prices higher. NBC News reported that gas prices, which were just under $3 per gallon before the conflict, are now around $4.50. Diesel has climbed from $3.75 to $6.50 since the war began.
