Overview
- In a Monday night Fox News appearance, President Trump said affordability worries are “a con job by the Democrats” and labeled economic polls “fake.”
- Consumer sentiment on current conditions is at 52.3, the worst since 1951 and roughly 30% below January levels, and polls show majorities blaming Trump’s policies for worsening the economy (61%) and their own finances (51%).
- Official indicators show consumer prices up about 3% year over year in September and average gasoline at roughly $3.07 on Tuesday, undercutting claims that costs are broadly “way down.”
- The administration has floated a DOJ probe of meatpackers, a possible 50‑year mortgage option, and $2,000 checks funded by tariff revenue, with aides noting legal or legislative hurdles and no finalized policy.
- Data analysts tie voter cost concerns to recent Democratic wins and warn Republicans face real 2026 risks if negative economic sentiment persists.