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Throughout last year's race for the White House, Donald Trump wooed the electorate with pledges to reduce costs immediately upon taking office. But, after his inauguration, there was precious little focus to the cost of living. This shifted following inflation-weary citizens delivered a rebuke at the polls. Shortly thereafter, the Trump administration initiated a slapdash campaign to address affordability. Unfortunately, this initiative is a hot mess—filled with illogical claims, contradictions, magical thinking, blame-shifting, and misleading statements.

Out-of-Touch Claims and Grocery Store Truth

Merely 48 hours post-election, Trump kicked off his affordability drive with a poorly received statement: “Food prices are way down. All items is way down… So I don’t want to hear about affordability.” This comment from the wealthy leader—who frequently associates with other ultra-rich individuals—revealed utter contempt for millions of Americans facing difficulties every time they go supermarkets. Essentially, he ignored their struggles as trivial, implying they were mistaken about actual costs.

This statement that everything was “way down” was highly misleading and dishonest. How could every price be falling when his cherished tariffs were pushing up prices? Recent data indicate banana prices rose 6.9% over the past year, beef prices went up 14.7%, and the cost of coffee jumped by nearly 19%—in part because of punitive tariffs applied to Brazilian products. In the first three quarters, prices rose in five of the six food categories monitored by the Consumer Price Index, such as animal proteins (up 4.5%), drinks (up 2.8%), and fruits and vegetables (rising slightly).

Inconsistencies and Falsehoods in Financial Statements

Despite the evidence, the president persists in repeating his misleading narrative about affordability. After the vote, he has stated there is “almost no price increases,” declared “costs have fallen significantly,” and argued “living is cheaper under Trump than it was under his predecessor.” Such remarks ignore the fact that general costs have unarguably risen after the previous administration. Currently, price growth is at a 3% annual rate, that’s 50% higher than the Federal Reserve’s 2% goal. Adding to the inaccuracies, Trump claimed that fuel costs had dropped to nearly $2 a gallon, despite government figures indicate they are $3.19.

Confronted by reality and lower approval ratings, advisers evidently warned that his “costs are falling” rhetoric made him sound disconnected from typical Americans. A lot of voters are angry about prices continuing to climb after assurances of decreases. In response, aides suggested a simple solution: reduce some of Trump’s beloved tariffs. The logical move contradicted the president’s unrealistic claim that new tariffs would not increase costs for American shoppers.

Proposed Fixes and Their Potential Impact

With certain taxes reduced on coffee, beef, tomatoes, and bananas, Trump will likely claim that he has lowered costs once these products start declining in price. This would be similar to a firestarter boasting for putting out a fire that he ignited. On another occasion, when addressing fast-food leaders, Trump stated that “we are in the peak period of America” and assured the audience that “prices are coming down and all of that stuff.” Such statements are easy for a wealthy individual to make, but they ring hollow to countless households who are struggling—particularly when millions risk losing food stamps or rising insurance costs.

Per a survey from October, 74% of Americans believe economic conditions are fair or poor, while only 26% rate them positive. A separate survey found that 61% of Americans say Trump’s policies have “made the economy worse” in the country.

Economic Reality and Suggested Steps

The treasury secretary, Trump’s top economic official, lately disputed claims of a golden age. He stated that instead of thriving, some parts of the US economy “have contracted.” Industrial production—which Trump vowed to save—appears to have contracted for multiple consecutive months and lost around tens of thousands of positions since January. Citing these challenges, the secretary urged the central bank to reduce borrowing costs—a move that could ease financial pressure.

In response to public dismay about affordability, the president suggested a cash handout of “a payout of at least $2,000 a person” excluding “the wealthy.” For many households in need, it seems like a financial lifeline, but the prospects are dim that Congress—concerned about huge budget deficits—will enact the proposal. This idea would likely increase federal spending, increase borrowing costs, and possibly drive prices higher by putting more money into consumers’ pockets.

A further supposed fix for cost issues involved creating half-century home loans, based on the idea that they could lower housing costs. But, the truth is that 50-year mortgages have minimal impact to lower monthly payments—frequently cutting them by a small amount each month. The drawback is that these mortgages could significantly increase the overall cost homeowners pay and hinder their accumulation of equity.

Faulting the Previous Administration and Financial Prospects

As part of their affordability campaign, Trump and his team have again pointed fingers at Biden for financial challenges, such as increasing costs. Spokespeople claimed they “inherited a disaster from Joe Biden” and were “addressing the prior administration’s price hikes.” This is absurd and inaccurate claims. In reality, Biden handed over a robust economic situation, with low price growth, economic growth strong, and minimal joblessness. But, the current administration’s actions—particularly import taxes—have resulted in an economic mess, driving costs higher and reducing economic output.

According to an economist, lead analyst at a research firm, 22 states are experiencing economic decline, with their conditions worsened by Trump’s tariffs. He fears that if large states such as major economies tumble into recession, the US could slide into a widespread recession. In downturns, people generally possess less money to spend, and price increases usually declines. Unfortunately, given the highly-touted affordability campaign probably ineffective to control costs, his most effective “tool” for improving living standards might prove to be triggering an economic contraction—something that hard-pressed households really can’t afford.