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Throughout the previous race for the White House, Donald Trump courted voters with pledges to lower costs starting on day one. However, once his inauguration, he seemed to pay minimal attention to affordability issues. All that changed following price-fatigued voters delivered a rebuke at the polls. Shortly thereafter, the Trump administration initiated a slapdash effort to address living costs. Regrettably, the drive is a hot mess—characterized by illogical claims, inconsistencies, magical thinking, scapegoating, and misleading statements.

Out-of-Touch Claims and Supermarket Reality

Merely 48 hours after the election, the president kicked off his affordability drive with a poorly received remark: “Food prices are way down. Everything is way down… So I don’t want to hear about affordability.” These words from the wealthy leader—who frequently associates with fellow billionaires—demonstrated a lack of empathy for everyday citizens facing difficulties when visiting the grocery store. Essentially, he ignored their struggles as trivial, implying they were mistaken about price levels.

His assertion that everything was “way down” proved highly misleading and dishonest. How could every price be decreasing when the taxes he imposed were pushing up prices? Recent data show banana prices rose 6.9% over the past year, the price of beef climbed almost 15%, and the cost of coffee jumped by nearly 19%—partly because of punitive tariffs on Brazil’s coffee and beef. Between January and September, costs increased in five of the six main grocery groups tracked by the government’s price index, including animal proteins (up 4.5%), non-alcoholic beverages (increasing nearly 3%), and fruits and vegetables (up 1.3%).

Contradictions and Inaccuracies in Economic Statements

In spite of the evidence, Trump 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 “living is cheaper under Trump than it was under his predecessor.” 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, that’s half again as much than the central bank’s 2% goal. Adding to the inaccuracies, he claimed that fuel costs had fallen to around two dollars, even though official data indicate they average $3.19.

Confronted by reality and declining opinion polls, some Trump aides evidently warned that his “costs are falling” rhetoric portrayed him as disconnected from ordinary people. Many voters are frustrated about prices continuing to climb after assurances of decreases. As a result, advisers proposed one quick fix: reduce certain import taxes. The logical move clashed with Trump’s absurd assertion that new tariffs would not increase costs for American shoppers.

Suggested Solutions and Their Potential Effects

With certain taxes being rolled back on several food items, the administration will likely announce that he has lowered costs once those foods start declining in price. That would be like an arsonist boasting for extinguishing a blaze that he had started. On another occasion, when addressing fast-food leaders, Trump stated that “this is the golden age of America” and assured the audience that “prices are coming down and all of that stuff.” These comments come naturally for a wealthy individual to make, but they ring hollow to countless households facing hardships—especially when many face cuts to nutrition assistance or rising insurance costs.

Per a survey from October, three-quarters of respondents think economic conditions are fair or poor, while just a quarter rate them good or excellent. A separate survey found that a majority of citizens say Trump’s policies have “worsened economic conditions” in the country.

Economic Reality and Suggested Steps

Scott Bessent, Trump’s top economic official, recently contradicted claims of a golden age. He stated that instead of thriving, some parts 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 approximately 33,000 jobs this year. Citing this weakness, Bessent urged the Federal Reserve to reduce borrowing costs—an action that could ease financial pressure.

Reacting to public dismay about living costs, the president suggested a direct payment of “a payout of at least $2,000 a person” excluding “the wealthy.” For many struggling Americans, it seems like manna from heaven, but it is unlikely that Congress—already alarmed about huge budget deficits—will enact such a plan. The scheme could increase federal spending, increase borrowing costs, and potentially drive prices higher by putting more money into the economy.

A further supposed fix for cost issues centered on introducing 50-year mortgages, based on the idea that this would lower housing costs. However, reality is that such lengthy loans have minimal impact to reduce installments—often reducing them by a small amount per month. The drawback is that these mortgages could significantly increase the total interest borrowers pay and slow building home value.

Faulting the Previous Administration and Economic Prospects

In their cost-cutting effort, the administration have again pointed fingers at Biden for economic problems, such as rising prices. Spokespeople stated they “inherited a disaster from Joe Biden” and were “addressing the prior administration’s price hikes.” This is unfounded and inaccurate allegations. In reality, Biden handed over a strong economy, with low price growth, solid expansion, and minimal joblessness. But, Trump’s policies—particularly import taxes—have resulted in an economic mess, pushing up prices and slowing GDP growth.

Per Mark Zandi, lead analyst at a research firm, 22 states are experiencing economic decline, with their economies damaged by Trump’s tariffs. Zandi worries that if large states such as major economies tumble into recession, the US could face a broad economic slump. During recessions, consumers generally possess reduced funds to spend, and price increases usually declines. Sadly, with the highly-touted cost initiative likely to do little to control costs, his primary method for achieving increased affordability might prove to be triggering an economic contraction—a scenario that struggling Americans really can’t afford.