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Throughout the previous race for the White House, Donald Trump wooed the electorate with promises to lower costs starting on day one. However, after his inauguration, he seemed to pay precious little attention to affordability issues. All that changed following price-fatigued citizens delivered a rebuke at the polls. Shortly thereafter, the Trump administration launched a slapdash campaign to tackle living costs. Regrettably, the drive is a disorganized endeavor—filled with absurdity, contradictions, unrealistic expectations, scapegoating, and misleading statements.

Detached Claims and Grocery Store Truth

Just two days post-election, Trump began his cost-reduction push with a poorly received statement: “Our groceries are way down. All items is way down… So I don’t want to hear about affordability.” These words from the wealthy leader—who frequently mingles with other ultra-rich individuals—demonstrated a lack of empathy for everyday citizens facing difficulties when visiting the grocery store. In effect, he dismissed their struggles as unimportant, suggesting they had it wrong about actual costs.

His assertion about declining prices was highly misleading and dishonest. How could every price be falling when his cherished tariffs were pushing up costs? Recent data show banana prices rose 6.9% over the past year, the price of beef went up almost 15%, and coffee prices jumped 18.9%—in part because of punitive tariffs on Brazil’s coffee and beef. In the first three quarters, costs increased in the majority of food categories monitored by the Consumer Price Index, such as animal proteins (rising over 4%), non-alcoholic beverages (up 2.8%), and produce (up 1.3%).

Contradictions and Falsehoods in Economic Statements

Despite these numbers, the president persists in repeating his big lie about affordability. After the vote, he has claimed there is “virtually no inflation,” insisted “costs have fallen significantly,” and argued “living is cheaper under Trump than it was under his predecessor.” These statements ignore the reality that general costs have unarguably risen after the previous administration. Currently, inflation is at a 3 percent per year, that’s 50% higher than the Federal Reserve’s 2% goal. Adding to the inaccuracies, Trump claimed that fuel costs had fallen to around two dollars, despite government figures show they average $3.19.

Faced with reality and declining opinion polls, advisers apparently cautioned that his “prices are down” rhetoric made him sound dangerously out of touch from ordinary people. Many citizens are frustrated about prices continuing to climb after assurances of reductions. As a result, aides suggested one quick fix: reduce some of Trump’s beloved tariffs. The logical move contradicted the president’s unrealistic claim that additional taxes wouldn’t raise prices for US consumers.

Suggested Fixes and Their Potential Effects

As certain taxes reduced on coffee, beef, tomatoes, and bananas, the administration will likely claim that he has cut prices once these products start declining in price. That would be similar to a firestarter taking credit for extinguishing a fire that he ignited. In another instance, while speaking fast-food leaders, he stated that “this is the peak period of America” and told the audience that “costs are decreasing and all of that stuff.” These comments are easy for a billionaire to make, but they ring hollow to countless households facing hardships—particularly when millions risk losing food stamps or rising insurance costs.

Per a survey conducted last fall, 74% of Americans think economic conditions are mediocre or bad, while only 26% consider them positive. A separate survey found that a majority of citizens feel Trump’s policies have “made the economy worse” in the country.

Financial Reality and Proposed Steps

The treasury secretary, the president’s top economic official, lately disputed assertions of a prosperous era. He noted that far from booming, some parts of the US economy “have contracted.” The manufacturing sector—a priority for the administration—seems to have shrunk for eight months in a row and shed approximately 33,000 jobs this year. Pointing to these challenges, Bessent urged the Federal Reserve to reduce borrowing costs—an action that could ease financial pressure.

Reacting to widespread concern about living costs, Trump proposed a direct payment of “a payout of at least $2,000 a person” not for “the wealthy.” For many struggling Americans, it seems like manna from heaven, but it is unlikely that Congress—concerned about large shortfalls—will enact such a plan. This idea could increase federal spending, increase borrowing costs, and potentially drive prices higher by putting more money into the economy.

A further proposed solution for cost issues centered on creating 50-year mortgages, based on the idea that they could reduce monthly mortgage payments. But, reality is that 50-year mortgages would do little to lower monthly payments—often reducing them by a small amount per month. The downside is that these mortgages could significantly increase the total interest homeowners pay and slow their accumulation of equity.

Blaming the Previous Administration and Financial Prospects

In their cost-cutting effort, Trump and his team have again pointed fingers at Biden for economic problems, such as rising prices. Officials stated they “inherited a disaster from Joe Biden” and were “addressing the prior administration’s price hikes.” This is unfounded and inaccurate claims. Actually, the former president left a strong economy, with low price growth, economic growth strong, and minimal joblessness. But, Trump’s policies—particularly import taxes—have resulted in an difficult situation, driving costs higher and slowing GDP growth.

According to an economist, chief economist at Moody’s Analytics, numerous regions are experiencing economic decline, with their economies damaged by the administration’s trade policies. Zandi fears that if key regions like major economies enter a downturn, the nation could slide into a broad economic slump. During recessions, people typically have less money to spend, and inflation usually declines. Sadly, with the highly-touted affordability campaign probably ineffective to control costs, his most effective “tool” for achieving increased affordability might end up triggering an economic contraction—a scenario that hard-pressed households really can’t afford.