Overview
- In a Fox News exchange read from a longtime supporter, Trump rejected a plea over rising costs and said “we’ve got prices way down,” later telling reporters, “I don’t want to hear about the affordability.”
- Trump cited Walmart’s Thanksgiving basket as proof of a 25% drop from last year, but reporters note this year’s basket contains fewer items and cheaper substitutions, and Walmart did not make a direct year-to-year comparison.
- Official figures show persistent price pressures, with CPI up 0.3% in September and 3.0% year over year, while polls report large majorities saying monthly household costs have increased, including groceries and utilities.
- After Democratic victories in Virginia, New Jersey and New York City where affordability topped voter concerns, White House aides say Trump will elevate an affordability push featuring retail price examples, tax break plans and drug-pricing deals.
- Even some conservatives and Fox voices pressed the GOP to recalibrate, with on-air fact-checks disputing claims that groceries and electricity are “way down” and commentators urging a more credible message on costs.