Overview
- President Trump rejected concerns about household costs in a Fox News exchange, calling unfavorable polls fake and declaring the economy the greatest ever.
- Recent readings highlight strain for consumers, with grocery prices climbing, electricity bills up about 11%, and October inflation running near 3% year over year as gas hovers around $3.
- Additional signs of stress include a weakening labor market, a slump in consumer sentiment to mid‑2022 levels, and a record‑low 21% share of first‑time homebuyers.
- Commentary ties part of the price pressure to new tariffs that have raised costs for construction materials and manufacturers, as Trump touts impending tariff relief on items like beef and coffee.
- Policy ideas such as a 50‑year mortgage and a proposed $2,000 tariff dividend drew criticism from allies, with Laura Ingraham questioning the approach and Vice President J.D. Vance acknowledging an affordability crisis.