The Deceptive Cost Trick

During a Tuesday Cabinet meeting at the White House, President Donald Trump dismissed the concept of affordability, calling it a fake narrative crafted by Democrats to mislead voters. He argued that the term has no true meaning, claiming, They just use the word affordability, but no one knows what it even refers to. I inherited the worst inflation ever. Nothing was affordable.

Trumps remarks contradict his recent declaration on Truth Social where he labeled himself THE AFFORDABILITY PRESIDENT while promoting declines in drug prices. Despite inflation easing from its peak 9.1 percent rate in June 2022, everyday expenses like groceries remain significantly higher compared to pre-pandemic costs, leaving many Americans still feeling financially strained.

Tariffs imposed under Trump continue to inflate costs, even as he struggles to craft a consistent message on living expensesan issue voters repeatedly identify as a top concern. Economists warn that even moderate inflation erodes purchasing power over time and that fluctuating tariff schedules create uncertainty that eventually pushes prices upward.

Affordability has also emerged as a decisive campaign theme. In Tennessees seventh congressional district, Republican Matt Van Epps won against Democrat Aftyn Behn, yet Behn exceeded expectations by focusing heavily on cost-of-living issues. Analysts note that the closer-than-expected result signals Democratic momentum heading into future House races, even as Trump celebrated the outcome as a Republican victory.

Similarly, in Jersey City, 41-year-old Democrat James Solomon secured a comfortable win while campaigning on affordability. Solomon, a father of three and city council member since 2017, defeated former governor Jim McGreevey.

Author: Grace Ellison