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Throughout the previous presidential campaign, the former president courted voters with promises to lower prices immediately upon taking office. However, once his inauguration, he seemed to pay minimal focus to the cost of living. All that changed following inflation-weary voters expressed dissatisfaction at the ballot box. Shortly thereafter, the Trump administration launched a hastily assembled effort to address affordability. Unfortunately, this initiative is a disorganized endeavor—characterized by illogical claims, inconsistencies, unrealistic expectations, scapegoating, and Trumpian dishonesty.

Out-of-Touch Claims and Supermarket Reality

Just two days post-election, Trump kicked off his affordability drive with a poorly received remark: “Our groceries are way down. Everything is way down… So I don’t want to hear about the cost of living.” This comment from the wealthy leader—who frequently associates with other ultra-rich individuals—demonstrated a lack of empathy for everyday citizens facing difficulties every time they go supermarkets. In effect, he ignored their struggles as unimportant, implying they had it wrong about actual costs.

This statement about declining prices was absurdly obtuse and inaccurate. In what way could every price be decreasing when his cherished tariffs were pushing up prices? Official statistics show banana prices increased nearly 7% over the past year, beef prices went up 14.7%, and coffee prices surged by nearly 19%—in part due to punitive tariffs on Brazil’s coffee and beef. In the first three quarters, prices rose in five of the six main grocery groups monitored by the government’s price index, including animal proteins (up 4.5%), drinks (up 2.8%), and fruits and vegetables (rising slightly).

Contradictions and Inaccuracies in Economic Statements

Despite the evidence, the president continues to push his big lie about lower costs. Since election day, he has claimed there is “virtually no inflation,” insisted “prices are way down,” and argued “living is cheaper under Trump than it was under his predecessor.” These statements contradict the fact that prices overall have unarguably risen since Biden left office. At present, inflation is running at a 3% annual rate, which is 50% higher than the Federal Reserve’s target of 2 percent. In another falsehood, he claimed that gas prices had fallen to nearly $2 a gallon, even though government figures indicate they average $3.19.

Confronted by actual conditions and declining opinion polls, advisers apparently warned that his “costs are falling” message portrayed him as disconnected from typical Americans. Many voters are angry about prices continuing to climb following assurances of reductions. In response, aides suggested one quick fix: reduce some of Trump’s beloved tariffs. The logical move contradicted Trump’s absurd assertion that additional taxes wouldn’t raise prices for US consumers.

Suggested Fixes and Their Possible Impact

As certain taxes reduced on several food items, Trump will probably announce that he has lowered costs once those foods begin to fall in price. That would be like an arsonist boasting for extinguishing a fire that he ignited. In another instance, when addressing fast-food leaders, Trump stated that “this is the peak period of America” and assured the audience that “costs are decreasing and all of that stuff.” These comments come naturally for a billionaire to make, but seem insincere to countless households who are struggling—especially when many risk losing food stamps or skyrocketing health premiums.

According to a survey from October, three-quarters of respondents believe economic conditions are fair or poor, while just a quarter consider them positive. Another poll showed that 61% of Americans feel Trump’s policies have “made the economy worse” in the country.

Economic Reality and Suggested Measures

Scott Bessent, the president’s top economic official, recently contradicted claims of a prosperous era. He stated that instead of thriving, some parts of the American economy “are in recession.” Industrial production—a priority for the administration—seems to have shrunk for eight months in a row and shed around 33,000 jobs since January. Citing these challenges, the secretary urged the Federal Reserve to reduce borrowing costs—a move that could help affordability.

In response to widespread concern about affordability, Trump proposed a cash handout of “a payout of at least $2,000 a person” excluding “the wealthy.” For many struggling Americans, this sounds like manna from heaven, but the prospects are dim that lawmakers—concerned about large shortfalls—will approve such a plan. This idea would likely raise government expenditure, increase interest rates, and possibly fuel inflation by putting more money into consumers’ pockets.

A further proposed solution for affordability centered on creating half-century home loans, based on the idea that they could reduce monthly mortgage payments. However, the truth is that 50-year mortgages would do little to reduce installments—often reducing them by a small amount per month. The drawback is that these loans could significantly increase the overall cost borrowers pay and hinder their accumulation of equity.

Faulting the Past Government and Economic Outlook

In their cost-cutting effort, the administration have again pointed fingers at Biden for financial challenges, such as increasing costs. Spokespeople stated they “faced a mess from Joe Biden” and were “cleaning up Biden’s inflation.” This is unfounded and untruthful claims. In reality, Biden left a strong economy, with low price growth, economic growth strong, and minimal joblessness. But, the current administration’s actions—especially his tariffs—have resulted in an economic mess, pushing up prices and reducing economic output.

According to an economist, lead analyst at Moody’s Analytics, numerous regions are experiencing economic decline, with their conditions worsened by the administration’s trade policies. Zandi worries that if key regions like California and New York tumble into recession, the US could face a broad economic slump. In downturns, consumers generally possess less money to spend, and price increases usually declines. Unfortunately, with the highly-touted affordability campaign likely to do little to hold down prices, his primary method for achieving increased affordability might end up triggering an economic contraction—a scenario that struggling Americans cannot handle.