Trump Dismisses Affordability Concerns as “Fake News”
President Donald Trump has dismissed growing concerns about the rising cost of living, labeling them as “fake news,” even as multiple economic indicators suggest an increase in expenses compared to the previous year.
In a statement to reporters at the White House on Tuesday, Trump claimed, “There’s this fake narrative that the Democrats talk about—affordability. I think they’re getting fake news from guys like you … Affordability is a hoax that was started by Democrats.”
The term “affordability” gained traction in American political discourse last month, following significant Democratic victories in Virginia, New Jersey, and Georgia, where campaigns heavily emphasized the cost of living. This trend persisted as Democrat Aftyn Behn came close to defeating Republican Matt Van Epps in a Tennessee special U.S. House race, despite Trump winning the district by a wide margin last year.
Recent economic data reflects this narrative. A report by Defend America Action highlighted substantial increases in Thanksgiving food prices, with turkey up 24%, canned cranberries up 45%, frozen peas up 17%, cheddar cheese rising by 6.6%, and sweet potatoes by 37% compared to the previous year.
These rising costs led nearly half of Americans to serve chicken and other turkey alternatives during the holiday season to mitigate expenses.
The financial pressure is expected to persist into the Christmas season. According to PNC Bank’s annual Christmas Price Index, gift prices have increased by 4.4% from 2024 and by 9.8% from 2023.
Admitting to the affordability issue would mean Trump acknowledging the impact of his policies. Major retailers like Walmart and Home Depot have attributed rising prices to Trump’s tariffs. Walmart CEO Doug McMillon stated on a May 15 earnings call, “Higher tariffs will result in higher prices. We’re wired for everyday low prices, but the magnitude of these increases is more than any retailer can absorb.”
The impending expiration of Affordable Care Act subsidies at the end of the year threatens to further strain the finances of about 22 million Americans. While some Republicans advocate for extending these subsidies, President Trump and most of his party do not support this move, as reported by Axios.
Democrats have criticized Trump for downplaying affordability concerns. New York Senator Chuck Schumer commented on X, “The only hoax is Donald’s repeated lies about the economy. The things we need most—groceries, housing, utilities—cost more. We all feel the pain, and it’s happening on his watch.”
Massachusetts Representative Jim McGovern echoed this sentiment, stating, “Affordability might not mean anything to billionaire grifters like Trump, but it sure means a lot to the American people. He should try actually talking to working folks for once in his life.”
Polls indicate that these concerns resonate with voters. An Associated Press-NORC survey found that over half of Americans cited grocery costs as a major stressor. Meanwhile, a Reuters poll revealed that many voters view the cost of living as a key factor in their decision-making for the 2026 midterm elections.
—
Read More Kitchen Table News
