Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Trump’s ‘Costs Are Way Down’ Message Collides With Poll Slump and MAGA Pushback

Officials pivot to an affordability focus, courting CEOs for advice on prices.

Overview

  • An AP-NORC survey shows Trump’s approval at 36 percent overall and 33 percent on the economy, reflecting growing voter concern over living costs.
  • Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene rebuked Trump’s claims that prices are falling, calling the message “gaslighting” as voters report higher grocery, clothing and utility bills.
  • After Democrats’ off-cycle wins centered on cost-of-living, the White House is rolling out an affordability message, with economic adviser Kevin Hassett acknowledging purchasing power concerns.
  • At a private White House dinner with chiefs from JPMorgan, BlackRock, Goldman Sachs and Nasdaq, Trump sought pricing ideas and predicted 5–6 percent growth, a target attendees described as unrealistic.
  • Tariff policies face renewed scrutiny, with a Goldman Sachs note citing partial cost pass-through to consumers and officials signaling targeted tariff relief on items like coffee and bananas, even as critics point to foreign-focus optics such as a $20 billion Argentina swap and possible Davos attendance.