WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump plans to visit a closely contested congressional district in New York on Friday to promote his economic agenda, despite declining public approval of his economic performance.
The president will make an appearance in the Hudson Valley region alongside Republican Rep. Mike Lawler, who faces reelection in what analysts expect to be among the most competitive House contests this November. The event will center on promoting tax legislation Trump enacted last year, specifically highlighting the expansion of state and local tax deductions from $10,000 to $40,000, a significant benefit for residents of high-tax states like New York.
White House officials have been seeking additional opportunities to showcase Trump’s economic record as his approval numbers on economic issues have declined. Recent polling by AP-NORC shows approximately one-third of American adults support Trump’s economic management, a decrease from the 40% approval rating he held at the beginning of his second term. Despite campaign promises to reduce costs, gasoline prices have increased this year due to conflict in Iran.
Lawler represents one of only three House districts held by Republicans that voted for Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris in 2024. While the other two representatives — Nebraska Rep. Don Bacon, who is retiring, and Pennsylvania Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, who has criticized Trump policies — have distanced themselves, Lawler has chosen to align with the controversial president to maintain support among Republican base voters.
“Look, the people who hate the president — and that’s their sole basis for their vote — are likely never voting for me,” Lawler told The Associated Press during an interview at the White House congressional picnic this week. He characterized Trump’s visit as an opportunity to motivate his supporters.
“Moreover, I have a record in my district that is one I’m very proud of, and a record that appeals to a broad middle,” Lawler stated, sporting a red baseball cap with “Mr. SALT” printed on it, referencing the state and local tax deduction he advocated for in the legislation. “I am confident that I will be reelected on my own merits and my own record.”
The president’s speech at Rockland Community College in Suffern, New York, will “highlight his strong record of making life more affordable for working families,” according to White House spokesperson Liz Huston. She noted that Trump intends to contrast his approach with Congressional Democrats who opposed the tax legislation.
Trump initially implemented a SALT cap in 2017 through his Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Last year’s legislation increased the SALT deduction to $40,000 from $10,000 following difficult negotiations with Republicans, including Lawler, whose constituents face substantial local tax burdens. The new law also increased average tax refunds for New York residents to over $3,800, based on White House data.
“My constituents were seeing anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000 refund checks, which is pretty massive,” Lawler explained, mentioning his plan to present Trump with one of his “Mr. SALT” caps.
Trump officially backed Lawler’s reelection campaign last year, though the endorsement came while the congressman was considering a gubernatorial run in New York. Political observers interpreted the endorsement as an effort to encourage Lawler to seek reelection rather than create an open, competitive House seat.
Five Democratic candidates are competing for their party’s nomination to challenge Lawler in the general election. The Democratic primary is scheduled for June 23.
“Nothing says ‘I don’t understand my district’ quite like Mike Lawler bringing Donald Trump to NY-17 to tout a disastrous economy that’s crushing working families at every turn,” commented Riya Vashi, a spokesperson for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.
National Republican Congressional Committee chairman Richard Hudson disagreed with that assessment, maintaining that Trump’s Friday visit will “absolutely” benefit Lawler’s campaign.
“His poll numbers are pretty good in Lawler’s district,” Hudson, a North Carolina congressman, stated. The NRCC has conducted polling in competitive districts, and Hudson reported that the “president’s numbers are good. Democratic numbers are tanking.”
Lawler clarified that the event is an official White House function rather than a campaign rally, noting that over 5,000 people registered to attend within the first 12 hours registration was available.
