Trump: "I'm Fixing" the Affordability Crisis — Points To Falling Prices Amid Polling Headwinds

Trump Renewed Attack On Biden Over 'Affordability Crisis'

President Donald Trump on Saturday renewed his criticism of former President Joe Biden, blaming him for what he calls an "affordability crisis" and insisting his administration is reversing rising costs. The president singled out a recent appearance by stockbroker Peter Schiff on Fox & Friends, calling Schiff a "Trump hating loser who has already proven to be wrong."

"He thinks prices are going up when, in fact, they are coming substantially down. Gasoline hit $1.99 a gallon yesterday, in certain states, and is down BIG since [former President] Biden," Trump wrote on Truth Social. "Biden caused the AFFORDABILITY CRISIS, I'M FIXING IT, along with everything else! Much of it, like the Border, is already fixed. Check out the 'booker' who put this jerk on!"

While the White House emphasizes recent declines in some prices — including gasoline and prescription drugs — broader economic data and public opinion present a more mixed picture. The Commerce Department's most recent figures cited in reporting show core inflation rose to 2.8% year‑over‑year in September, a statistic that runs counter to the blanket claim that prices are broadly falling.

Political And Economic Context

Trump campaigned in 2024 promising to "rapidly drive prices down" beginning on Day One of a new term. But markets have been volatile, and uncertainty about the impact of sweeping tariff policies has been cited by analysts as a factor putting upward pressure on some costs.

The administration points to targeted policy steps intended to ease price pressures and highlights the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed in July, saying some of its benefits—particularly investments tied to foreign trade partners—have not yet fully materialized.

Public Opinion And Polling

Polling suggests political vulnerability for the president on economic stewardship. A late‑November survey found nearly half of respondents said Trump had done more to increase prices than to lower them; 24% said he had done more to lower prices, 17% said his actions were "about the same," and 10% were unsure.

Aggregated polling from Decision Desk HQ (DDHQ) cited in the reporting shows Trump's approval averaging 42% with a 55% disapproval rating — a decline from roughly a month earlier, when approval averaged near 46% and disapproval was about 51%.

What To Watch

• Whether measured inflation and consumer prices fall consistently across categories beyond fuels and select goods.
• How quickly investments tied to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act translate into tangible cost relief for households.
• Shifts in public opinion as new economic data and policy effects become clearer heading into ongoing policy debates and elections.

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