Trump calls affordability crisis a ‘con job by the Democrats’ but it’s making his camp nervous

While US President Donald Trump and Republicans have successfully managed to reopen the US government following the longest-ever shutdown , the administration is still receiving backlash over rising prices for American consumers.

Trump critics have been describing the rising prices of products as an “ affordability crisis ”. However, Trump has been dismissing the allegations, calling them a “con job by the Democrats”. Trump took a dismissive tone toward an issue that could define next year’s midterm elections.

Trump rapidly shifted his messaging on the cost of living since last week, when the issue helped propel Democrats to electoral victories in Virginia, New Jersey and New York City . Initially, he argued that Republicans need to talk more about the issue and went on to highlight his accomplishments. However, he soon pivoted to calling complaints about high prices a “con” perpetuated by Democrats.

White House in defence mode

Meanwhile, the White House officials have echoed the president’s argument, insisting that the American economy is strong. Amid the backlash, the administration has taken some steps to try to combat high prices, an indication that they are aware it will be a key issue in 2026 .

When asked by Fox News if affordability was a “voter perception issue” or if more needed to be done to address costs, Trump replied that it was a “con job by the Democrats.” He later cast doubt on the idea that many Americans are anxious about the economy.

“I don’t know that they are saying that,” Trump said. “I think polls are fake. We have the greatest economy we’ve ever had.” Trump’s remarks came after a Washington Post/ABC News/Ipsos survey conducted in late October found a majority of Americans said they are spending more on groceries and utility bills than a year ago.

Meanwhile, an Associated Press exit poll conducted after the Nov. 4 elections found 49 per cent of Virginia voters said the economy was their top issue, while 56 per cent of New York City voters said the cost of living was the city’s top issue.

Trump, on the other hand, touted specific areas where prices have fallen since he took office, particularly the costs of eggs and gasoline. He repeatedly mentioned that the price of a Thanksgiving meal package from Walmart is down 25 per cent from a year ago. However,  the package includes fewer items.

“We did a great job on groceries and affordability. The only problem is the fake news,” Trump said during a meeting with the Hungarian prime minister last Friday. At the same meeting, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt scolded reporters who she said “refuse to cover” Trump’s efforts to address affordability. “Affordability is what the American people elected this president to do, and he is doing it,” Leavitt said. Hence, it will be interesting to see how the stance will perform for Trump in the midterms next year.