Affordability Crisis Debate Heats Up Ahead of Midterms

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told Fox News that the United States is in an “affordability crisis” caused by President Joe Biden and Democratic lawmakers, and that the problem would improve only if Republicans controlled Congress for two more years. President Donald Trump has repeatedly dismissed “affordability” as a partisan invention, calling it a “hoax” and insisting that his administration has taken immediate action to lower prices. The dispute unfolds as gas prices remain high and the 2026 midterm elections approach.

The Independent

Trump has framed “affordability” as a term invented by Democrats, arguing that his policies have already reduced prices. He has also linked high oil and gas costs to the ongoing conflict with Iran, noting that the war has kept fuel prices elevated despite earlier promises that they would fall.

The Independent

• On June 30, Trump demanded that gas retailers cut prices “IMMEDIATELY” to $2.50 per gallon.

The Independent

• The national average for U.S. gasoline on the following Sunday was $4.11 per gallon.

The Independent

• The Consumer Price Index fell to 0.04 % in June, down from 0.05 % in May.

The Independent

• A Reuters/Ipsos poll from early June reported that 49 % of respondents said cost-of-living concerns would be their top issue if the midterms were held today.

The Independent

Trump, in contrast, has repeatedly asserted that “affordability” is a partisan construct and has publicly urged patience, noting that some prices have already begun to decline.

The Independent

• “I think affordability is the greatest con job. They look at you and they say affordability. They don’t say anything else.” — Donald Trump, something president

The Independent

• “They used the word — first time I heard it. It was a word, you know, made up by the Democrats. Affordability,” — Donald Trump, something president

The Independent