President Donald Trump’s dismissive comments about affordability concerns could become a significant political liability as Republicans face mounting pressure over the rising cost of living, which initially helped propel his 2024 election victory.
During a White House meeting on Thursday, November 6, Trump made a statement that is already appearing in Democratic campaign materials: “I don’t want to hear about the affordability.” The president made the comment while touting economic improvements under his administration.
The remarks came as Trump touted a Walmart Thanksgiving dinner package that costs 25 percent less than last year’s version. However, the retail giant achieved that price reduction by reducing the meal from 21 items to 15 items and swapping brand-name products for store brands. The reduction represents a 28.6 percent decrease in items, meaning customers are actually paying more per item than the previous year.
On Friday, November 7, Trump doubled down on his position, calling affordability concerns “a con job by the Democrats.” During a Fox News interview, he shushed host Laura Ingraham when she asked about voter perception of the economy and tried to list products that had seen price increases.
The president’s claims about economic improvements contradict federal data and consumer experience. Trump claimed groceries are way down in price, but the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service predicted that all food prices would increase 3 percent in 2025. He claimed gas prices are close to two dollars per gallon, but the American Automobile Association reported the national average at $3.084 on November 6. Inflation stood at 3 percent in September.
The affordability issue has become particularly urgent for Republicans following last week’s state elections, where Democrats won races driven largely by voter concerns about the cost of living. The results prompted White House meetings focused on developing messaging around affordability concerns.
Public opinion polls reveal the depth of Trump’s challenge on economic issues. A CNN poll showed Trump’s approval rating at 37 percent. The survey found that 61 percent of Americans say his policies have made the economy worse, while 63 percent believe he has fallen short on their expectations for how he handles the economy.
Despite these warning signs, Trump appears reluctant to shift his approach. The president’s messaging strategy has focused on claiming victory on affordability while dismissing contrary evidence. He has accused Democrats of hijacking the issue and blamed negative media coverage for public perceptions about prices.
The political implications extend beyond Trump’s personal approval ratings. Republicans risk losing their congressional majorities in the 2026 midterm elections if voters continue to feel economic anxiety. Democrats swept state races last week specifically because of affordability concerns, providing an early warning about the political landscape heading into next year’s campaigns.
White House officials have acknowledged the urgency of the situation. The election results heightened the desire to talk about affordability more forcefully to the public. However, those efforts are complicated by Trump’s own statements dismissing the issue and making claims that contradict readily available economic data.
The disconnect between Trump’s assertions and Americans’ lived experiences at grocery stores and gas pumps creates a credibility gap that could prove difficult to overcome. His dismissal of affordability concerns provides Democratic candidates with a simple, powerful message for the 2026 midterms: a president who refuses to acknowledge their economic struggles.