Overview
- Speaking to franchise owners in Washington on Nov. 17, Trump declared that “prices are coming down” and described inflation as near a “sweet spot.”
- The appearance followed an executive order signed Nov. 14 that removed or exempted tariffs on more than 200 imported food items, including beef, bananas, coffee, oranges, tomatoes, and spices.
- Trump thanked McDonald’s for reinstating $5 and $8 Extra Value Meals, presenting the chain’s promotions as part of a broader push on affordability.
- Government data show annual inflation around 3% with notable increases for staples such as ground beef at roughly 13.5% year over year, while industry leaders warn that cost pressures remain “sticky.”
- Trump floated $2,000 tariff-funded rebates and 50-year mortgages to ease costs, though rebate checks would require congressional approval and elements of his tariff authority face court review.