Trump Calls Low Poll Numbers 'Fake' in Time Magazine Interview

President Donald Trump sat down with Time magazine for a wide-ranging interview. He dismissed low approval ratings, deflected blame over the Iran war, and refused to rule out declaring a national emergency before the midterm elections. Trump pushed back on nearly every tough question he was asked. The interview covered big issues like the economy, elections, and the conflict with Iran.

When asked about the Iran war, Trump blamed the media for confusing Americans about how long it would last. Back in March, he said the war would be over in 'four to five weeks.' Then at the end of March, he said it would wind down in 'two to three weeks.' By May, he said a peace deal was almost done — but the war kept going.

Trump said he could have ended the conflict whenever he wanted, but chose to keep it going because he 'wanted to go further.' The war has now lasted more than seven months. It has made everyday life more expensive for many Americans, with gas prices climbing past $4 per gallon and overall prices rising by 3.4%.

Most Americans say they are unhappy with how Trump is handling the economy. A poll by the Associated Press and the NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that only 26% of adults approve of the economy under Trump. Just 31% approve of how he is doing his job overall. These are some of the lowest numbers of his presidency.

Trump did not accept these poll results as true. 'They're fake numbers,' he said. He claimed he would beat any opponent by 20 points and called pollsters 'corrupt.' He also said he believes the economy is strong, even though most Americans disagree.

About 74% of Americans told the AP/NORC poll that the economy was doing poorly. Another 65% said they blame Trump's own policies for higher prices. These frustrations could hurt Republican candidates in the midterm elections coming up in November.

Polls show many Democratic candidates gaining ground, even in states that usually lean Republican, like Texas. Trump brushed off the idea that Democrats could win, saying Republicans would do well as long as he campaigns with them. Some Democratic lawmakers worry about what Trump might do if Democrats outperform Republicans on election night.

Trump refused to accept the results of the 2020 presidential election after losing to Joe Biden. Since then, he has claimed U.S. elections are not secure and signed orders to restrict mail-in voting and require voter ID. When Time asked if he would declare a state of emergency before the midterms, Trump said: 'I don't rule anything out or in. We'll see.'

Trump also talked about a law called the Insurrection Act, which dates back to the 1800s. It allows the president to send military troops inside the country under very specific situations. Trump said he has never used it, but added that he 'could use it.' FBI Director Kash Patel has also not ruled out sending federal officers to polling places on Election Day, which experts say is against the law.

Finally, Trump said he regrets appointing three Supreme Court justices he chose himself: Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett. 'I gave them the position of a lifetime, and they voted against me often,' Trump said. The court has ruled against Trump on issues like his tariffs and his effort to end birthright citizenship, which is the right of people born in the U.S. to be automatic citizens.