Republican strategists warn that President Trump’s repeated mockery of the word "affordability" risks undermining efforts to reassure voters about a rising cost of living ahead of next year’s midterms. In a 90-minute Pennsylvania rally, Trump called the term a Democratic "hoax" while saying the economy is strong. Polling shows his overall approval at 41% but only 31% for handling the cost of living, and strategists say moderates and independents could be swayed by economic realities. Party officials want clearer, concrete plans to lower prices rather than rhetorical attacks.
Mocking 'Affordability': How Trump's Rhetoric Could Threaten Republicans' Hold On Congress
FILE PHOTO: U.S. President Donald Trump gestures as he arrives to deliver remarks on the U.S. economy and affordability at the Mount Airy Casino Resort in Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania, U.S. December 9, 2025. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst/File Photo
President Donald Trump’s repeated public dismissal of the word "affordability" has alarmed Republican strategists who warn the rhetoric could undermine efforts to reassure voters about the cost of living ahead of next year’s congressional elections.
Rally Remarks That Reverberated
During a 90-minute rally in Pennsylvania billed by the White House as the first in a series intended to address criticism that Trump has not focused enough on rising household costs, much of the address instead attacked the use of the term "affordability," which the president called a Democratic "hoax" designed to exaggerate financial strain. Trump acknowledged that prices were high but insisted the broader economy is strong and many workers are seeing higher take-home pay.
"Repeating this claim that affordability is made up ignores what’s happening in our economy," said Republican consultant Jason Cabel Roe. "He absolutely needs to do better."
Mixed Economic Signals
Government data present a mixed picture: job growth has slowed during Trump’s second term, unemployment has risen to its highest level in four years, and consumer prices remain elevated. Overall growth has recovered somewhat after a slight contraction in the first quarter.
Republican Messaging Concerns
Several Republican strategists and aides expressed concern that mocking the word "affordability" risks making the president appear out of touch with voters who cite the rising cost of living as their top concern. Senior aides privately concede the president needs to speak more directly about domestic economic pressures, especially with control of both chambers of Congress at stake in next year’s midterms.
White House spokesman Kush Desai defended the rally as a reminder that the administration remains focused on affordability. Two other White House officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, rejected the notion that the president’s tone made him appear disconnected from everyday struggles, while acknowledging the complaint exists among some Republican lawmakers.
Polling And Political Stakes
In a Reuters/Ipsos poll, Trump’s overall approval rating edged up to 41% after moves including rolling back some food import tariffs, but only 31% approve of his handling of the cost of living. With narrow Republican majorities in both the House and Senate, strategists say Trump must be an effective economic messenger if the party hopes to retain control of Congress.
Republican officials plan a renewed travel schedule next year to campaign for candidates and spotlight economic achievements. Critics insist that, beyond rhetoric, voters expect clear, tangible plans to lower prices and ease household budgets. Moderates and independents—an influential voting bloc—are widely seen as decisive in close races.
Bottom line: Republicans urge a shift from dismissive rhetoric to concrete plans on affordability if the party is to persuade voters concerned about day-to-day costs.
