Overview
- Trump has given conflicting messages, calling affordability a Democratic 'hoax' after posting a video saying making America affordable is his highest priority.
- Republican National Committee Chair Joe Gruters has warned of a 'pending, looming disaster' and 'almost certain defeat' in the 2026 midterms.
- Economist Rob Shapiro argues the administration’s tariffs and subsidy cuts are making healthcare, food and electricity less affordable.
- Inflation has run roughly 3 to 3.2 percent in 2025, with housing, food and electricity increasing faster than the overall rate.
- Shapiro says businesses are now restocking at tariff-inflated prices after drawing down inventories, a shift he and GOP strategists say could further strain voters and the party’s message.