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During last year's race for the White House, the former president courted the electorate with promises to reduce prices starting on day one. But, once he assumed office, he seemed to pay minimal attention to the cost of living. This shifted after price-fatigued voters expressed dissatisfaction at the ballot box. Shortly thereafter, his team initiated a hastily assembled effort to tackle living costs. Unfortunately, this initiative is a hot mess—characterized by absurdity, inconsistencies, unrealistic expectations, scapegoating, and misleading statements.

Detached Claims and Supermarket Truth

Merely 48 hours post-election, Trump began his affordability drive with a disastrous statement: “Our groceries are way down. Everything is way down… So I don’t want to hear about the cost of living.” These words from billionaire Trump—often mingles with fellow billionaires—demonstrated utter contempt for everyday citizens facing difficulties every time they go supermarkets. Essentially, he dismissed their concerns as trivial, suggesting they were mistaken about price levels.

His assertion that everything was “way down” proved absurdly obtuse and inaccurate. How could all costs be decreasing when the taxes he imposed were increasing costs? Recent data show banana prices increased nearly 7% over the past year, the price of beef went up 14.7%, and the cost of coffee surged by nearly 19%—in part due to import taxes applied to Brazilian products. In the first three quarters, costs increased in five of the six main grocery groups tracked by the government’s price index, such as animal proteins (rising over 4%), non-alcoholic beverages (increasing nearly 3%), and produce (rising slightly).

Contradictions and Inaccuracies in Financial Claims

Despite these numbers, the president continues to push his big lie about affordability. Since election day, he has claimed there is “virtually no inflation,” insisted “costs have fallen significantly,” and asserted “living is cheaper under Trump than it was under his predecessor.” These statements ignore the reality that general costs have clearly increased since Biden left office. Currently, inflation is running at a 3 percent per year, which is half again as much than the central bank’s 2% goal. Adding to the inaccuracies, Trump boasted that gas prices had fallen to nearly $2 a gallon, despite official data show they are $3.19.

Faced with actual conditions and lower approval ratings, some Trump aides evidently warned that his “costs are falling” rhetoric portrayed him as dangerously out of touch from ordinary people. Many voters are angry about prices continuing to climb after assurances of decreases. In response, advisers proposed a simple solution: roll back certain import taxes. This sensible idea contradicted the president’s unrealistic claim that additional taxes wouldn’t raise prices for American shoppers.

Suggested Fixes and Their Possible Effects

With some tariffs reduced on coffee, beef, tomatoes, and bananas, Trump will likely claim that he has lowered costs once those foods start declining in price. That would be similar to a firestarter taking credit for extinguishing a blaze that he had started. On another occasion, while speaking fast-food leaders, Trump stated that “we are in the peak period of America” and told the audience that “prices are coming down and all of that stuff.” These comments come naturally for a billionaire to make, but seem insincere to countless households who are struggling—particularly when millions risk cuts to nutrition assistance or rising insurance costs.

Per a survey conducted last fall, three-quarters of respondents believe the state of the economy are mediocre or bad, while only 26% consider them good or excellent. Another poll showed that 61% of Americans feel the administration’s actions have “worsened economic conditions” in the country.

Financial Reality and Proposed Measures

Scott Bessent, Trump’s top economic official, lately contradicted claims of a golden age. He stated that instead of thriving, certain sectors of the American economy “are in recession.” The manufacturing sector—which Trump vowed to save—appears to have contracted for multiple consecutive months and lost around tens of thousands of positions since January. Pointing to this weakness, Bessent called on the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates—an action that could help affordability.

Reacting to public dismay about affordability, the president proposed a direct payment of “a payout of at least $2,000 a person” excluding “the wealthy.” To numerous households in need, it seems like a financial lifeline, but it is unlikely that lawmakers—concerned about large shortfalls—will enact the proposal. The scheme could increase federal spending, push up borrowing costs, and possibly drive prices higher by putting more money into consumers’ pockets.

Another supposed fix for affordability centered on introducing 50-year mortgages, with the notion that this would reduce monthly mortgage payments. But, the truth is that 50-year mortgages have minimal impact to lower monthly payments—often reducing them by a small amount each month. The downside is that these mortgages could significantly increase the overall cost homeowners pay and slow their accumulation of equity.

Blaming the Past Government and Economic Outlook

In their cost-cutting effort, the administration have once more pointed fingers at the previous president for financial challenges, including increasing costs. Spokespeople claimed they “inherited a disaster from Joe Biden” and were “addressing the prior administration’s price hikes.” These are absurd and inaccurate allegations. In reality, the former president left a robust economic situation, with inflation way down, solid expansion, and minimal joblessness. But, the current administration’s actions—particularly his tariffs—have created an difficult situation, pushing up prices and slowing GDP growth.

Per an economist, lead analyst at Moody’s Analytics, numerous regions are experiencing economic decline, with their conditions worsened by Trump’s tariffs. He worries that if large states such as California and New York enter a downturn, the nation could face a broad economic slump. In downturns, consumers typically have reduced funds to spend, and price increases usually declines. Sadly, with the highly-touted affordability campaign probably ineffective to control costs, his primary method for improving living standards might end up triggering an economic contraction—something that struggling Americans really can’t afford.