Trump Admits He Failed to Explain Economic Record as Petrol Prices Hit Popularity

US President Donald Trump has acknowledged that he performed very poorly in explaining his economic record to the public, as sharply rising petrol prices weigh on his popularity.

The admission focused on how he has presented his record, rather than an acknowledgement that his economic policies had failed.

His remarks come as higher fuel costs put pressure on household budgets, creating a difficult backdrop for efforts to promote his handling of the economy.

The decline in his popularity also comes ahead of the midterm elections scheduled for November, making public perceptions of the economy a pressing political challenge.