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During the previous presidential campaign, the former president wooed voters with pledges to lower prices starting on day one. But, after his inauguration, there was precious little focus to the cost of living. All that changed following price-fatigued voters delivered a rebuke at the ballot box. Shortly thereafter, the Trump administration launched a slapdash campaign to address affordability. Unfortunately, this initiative has proven a hot mess—filled with illogical claims, contradictions, magical thinking, scapegoating, and misleading statements.

Detached Claims and Grocery Store Truth

Just two days post-election, Trump kicked off his affordability drive with a disastrous statement: “Our groceries are way down. All items is way down… So I don’t want to hear about the cost of living.” This comment from billionaire Trump—often associates with other ultra-rich individuals—demonstrated utter contempt for everyday citizens facing difficulties every time they go supermarkets. In effect, he dismissed their struggles as trivial, suggesting they were mistaken about price levels.

His assertion about declining prices was absurdly obtuse and inaccurate. In what way could every price be falling when the taxes he imposed were pushing up prices? Recent data indicate the cost of bananas rose 6.9% in the last twelve months, beef prices went up 14.7%, and the cost of coffee surged 18.9%—in part due to import taxes on Brazil’s coffee and beef. Between January and September, costs increased in the majority of main grocery groups monitored by the government’s price index, such as animal proteins (rising over 4%), non-alcoholic beverages (up 2.8%), and produce (rising slightly).

Contradictions and Falsehoods in Economic Statements

In spite of the evidence, the president persists in repeating his misleading narrative about affordability. Since election day, he has stated there is “virtually no inflation,” insisted “prices are way down,” and asserted “it is far less expensive under Trump than it was under sleepy Joe Biden.” Such remarks contradict the fact that general costs have clearly increased since Biden left office. At present, inflation is running at a 3% annual rate, which is 50% higher than the Federal Reserve’s 2% goal. In another falsehood, he claimed that fuel costs had fallen to nearly $2 a gallon, despite government figures indicate they are over three dollars.

Faced with reality and lower approval ratings, some Trump aides evidently cautioned that his “costs are falling” rhetoric made him sound dangerously out of touch from ordinary people. A lot of voters are frustrated about rising costs following assurances of reductions. In response, advisers proposed one quick fix: reduce certain import taxes. This sensible idea contradicted Trump’s absurd assertion that new tariffs would not increase costs for US consumers.

Proposed Solutions and Their Possible Effects

With certain taxes being rolled back on several food items, Trump will likely claim that he has lowered costs once those foods start declining in price. That would be similar to a firestarter boasting for extinguishing a fire that he had started. On another occasion, while speaking McDonald’s executives, Trump declared that “this is the golden age of America” and told listeners that “costs are decreasing and all of that stuff.” These comments are easy for a wealthy individual to make, but they ring hollow to millions of Americans facing hardships—especially when many risk losing food stamps or skyrocketing health premiums.

Per a survey from October, three-quarters of respondents think economic conditions are mediocre or bad, while just a quarter consider them good or excellent. A separate survey showed that 61% of Americans feel the administration’s actions have “made the economy worse” in the country.

Economic Reality and Proposed Measures

The treasury secretary, the president’s chief financial officer, lately disputed assertions of a golden age. He noted that instead of thriving, certain sectors of the American economy “are in recession.” The manufacturing sector—which Trump vowed to save—seems to have shrunk for multiple consecutive months and shed around 33,000 jobs this year. Pointing to this weakness, the secretary called on the Federal Reserve to reduce borrowing costs—a move that could help affordability.

Reacting to public dismay about affordability, the president suggested a direct payment of “a dividend of at least $2,000 a person” not for “the wealthy.” For many households in need, this sounds like manna from heaven, but it is unlikely that lawmakers—concerned about huge budget deficits—will enact such a plan. The scheme would likely increase federal spending, increase interest rates, and possibly drive prices higher by injecting cash into the economy.

A further proposed solution for affordability centered on introducing half-century home loans, based on the idea that they could reduce monthly mortgage payments. But, the truth is that such lengthy loans would do little to lower monthly payments—frequently reducing them by just $100 or $200 each month. The downside is that these mortgages could more than double the total interest borrowers pay and slow building home value.

Blaming the Previous Administration and Economic Outlook

In their cost-cutting effort, Trump and his team have once more blamed Biden for economic problems, including increasing costs. Officials claimed they “faced a mess from Joe Biden” and were “cleaning up the prior administration’s price hikes.” This is unfounded and inaccurate allegations. Actually, Biden handed over a strong economy, with inflation way down, solid expansion, and minimal joblessness. But, the current administration’s actions—especially his tariffs—have created an difficult situation, pushing up prices and slowing GDP growth.

Per an economist, lead analyst at a research firm, numerous regions are experiencing economic decline, with their conditions worsened by Trump’s tariffs. He fears that if large states like California and New York tumble into recession, the US could face a widespread recession. In downturns, people typically have reduced funds to spend, and inflation often falls. Unfortunately, given the highly-touted cost initiative likely to do little to hold down prices, his primary method for achieving increased affordability might end up pushing the nation into recession—something that hard-pressed households cannot handle.