Trump's story about a 'big, strong guy' thanking him for his 401(k) increase keeps changing


One of President Trump's favorite stories just won't stop changing.
As Toronto Star's Daniel Dale reports, Trump has repeatedly recounted an anecdote about a New York City cop apparently thanking him because, as Trump said in December 2017, "My 401(k) is up 39 percent in nine months" and "my family thinks I'm a financial genius."
Trump has continued to tell this story both during rallies and elsewhere, but by the March 2018 telling, the policeman's quote was now, "Sir, thank you very much. My 401(k) is up 41 percent. My wife thinks I'm a genius." In June, it was up to 46 percent. In July, it was back down to 44 percent. And in August, it was back up to 49 percent.
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Most recently, Trump during a May 8 rally once again told the story, this time describing the cop as a "big, strong guy" and noting that his supporters "might have heard" this one. Those who have were probably on the edge of their seats wondering what the number would be this time. The answer? 47 percent — down two percent from his August 2018 telling.
So what might the percentage be at next? Could it climb past 50 percent? Will it start creeping back down to 39 percent? With plenty of more rallies on the way as Trump prepares to formally launch his 2020 re-election campaign, the suspense is palpable.
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Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.
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