UPDATE: President Donald Trump is urgently pivoting to an ‘affordability’ message following a resounding defeat for Republican candidates in the recent elections. Just days after November 2, 2023, Trump has begun to echo the very themes that propelled Zohran Mamdani, New York City’s newly elected mayor, into the spotlight.
After Democrats secured significant wins from Virginia to California to New Jersey, Trump claimed that the term ‘affordability’ was key to his opponents’ success. “They have this new word called affordability,” Trump stated, insisting that Republicans have failed to emphasize it enough. His sudden focus on affordability follows years of ignoring rising costs that have plagued many Americans.
In a striking claim, Trump suggested, “2025 Thanksgiving dinner under Trump is 25% lower than 2024 Thanksgiving dinner under Biden, according to Walmart.” He further stated, “My costs are lower than the Democrats on everything, especially oil and gas! So the Democrats’ ‘affordability’ issue is DEAD! STOP LYING!!!” However, these assertions are widely considered misleading.
Trump’s tenure has seen inflation rise to 2.9% as of August, with gas prices averaging over $3 per gallon, contrary to his claims of nearing $2. This inflationary trend has prompted a backlash, with many voters expressing concern over the rising cost of living.
Despite Mamdani’s status as an outsider with ambitious proposals to address New York’s affordability crisis—such as rent freeze initiatives and free public transit—Trump’s past policies have contributed to economic hardships. His administration’s decisions have exacerbated inflation and housing costs, with the average grocery prices surging by 2.7% since he took office.
In a stark contrast, Mamdani plans to tackle the cost of living directly. His agenda includes opening public grocery stores and addressing the rampant housing crisis impacting 22 million cost-burdened renters.
As the government shutdown drags on, Trump’s actions have raised concerns about food assistance programs. Trump’s administration is reportedly limiting food aid to 42 million Americans eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), with potential cuts of up to 61% in benefits for average recipients.
Political analysts suggest Trump’s attempts to adopt an affordability narrative may be too little, too late. His approval rating has plummeted to 39%, with a disapproval rate soaring to 58%. The sharpest decline in his ratings has been linked to issues surrounding prices and inflation.
“Trump could theoretically fix his political problems if he readjusts his policy framework and focuses on affordability, corporate power, and working with Democrats instead of the establishment GOP,” said economic journalist Matt Stoller. However, many doubt his willingness to pivot from his established approach.
The urgency of these developments is palpable as the 2024 presidential race heats up. With rising costs dominating national discussions, both Trump and Mamdani’s contrasting strategies will be under intense scrutiny in the coming weeks.
As voters prepare for the upcoming election cycle, the spotlight remains on how these affordability claims will play out amidst ongoing economic challenges. Keep an eye on updates as this situation continues to evolve.
