Vance touts Trump economy gains during North Carolina tour, cites rising home purchases

Vice President JD Vance highlighted economic developments during a March 13, 2026, event in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, emphasizing rising home purchases and declining rents as indicators of economic progress under the Trump administration. Vance stated that new home sales had reached their highest level in five years since President Donald Trump’s previous term and noted a six-month consecutive decline in rental costs. He also cited average tax refunds of $3,700 per North Carolina family and historically low interest rates as evidence of policy success. These claims align with broader administration messaging that Trump’s policies, including tax cuts and regulatory rollbacks, are revitalizing the economy.

However, residents in the area reported persistent financial challenges. Daijah Bryant, a 26-year-old technician, described the difficulty of balancing bills and holiday expenses, while Lucy Slep, a small business owner, noted declining customer demand and reliance on jewelry resales at her downtown Rocky Mount store. These accounts reflect broader concerns about affordability, with polls indicating many Americans view the economy as performing poorly despite official metrics like reduced inflation and unemployment.

The event occurred amid the administration’s efforts to promote economic achievements in key battleground states, ahead of the 2026 midterms. While Vance and Small Business Administration head Kelly Loeffler framed recent policies as accelerating economic recovery, critics highlighted ongoing struggles with housing, utilities, and healthcare costs. The administration has attributed lingering affordability issues to residual effects of the Biden era, projecting further relief in 2026.