Trump highlights victories amid sinking approval ratings

In a rare evening address from the White House, US President Donald J. Trump boasted on Wednesday of his accomplishments and blamed his Democratic predecessor for soaring consumer prices as his party braces for a tough midterm election next year.

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US PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP

(REUTERS)

“Eleven months ago, I inherited a mess, and I’m fixing it,” Mr. Trump said in a speech that lasted less than 20 minutes and was delivered at a jarringly rapid-fire pace.

The Republican president, who regularly protests that he does not get credit for his accomplishments, offered few new policy initiatives to address high costs. The speech instead was delivered with a pronounced sense of grievance, with Mr. Trump complaining about migrant invasions, violent crime and transgender rights in the White House’s Diplomatic Reception Room festooned with holiday decor.

He placed blame at the feet of former President Joseph R. Biden, previous trade deals, immigrants and what he described as a corrupt system.

At the same time, Mr. Trump touted his administration’s work this year on a range of issues from reducing border crossings to bringing down prices of some goods. And he promised the nation would be stronger next year.