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Where Trump’s Affordability Ideas Really Stand Before the State of the Union

Donald Trump is back on the campaign trail, and with him, the conversation about affordability is heating up again. From mortgages to groceries to gas, the cost of living feels like it’s creeping higher every day—and it’s become a hot topic in politics. Trump’s latest comments hint at big changes, but how do his ideas actually line up with what most Americans are going through? Because affordability isn’t just a catchy phrase—it’s a complicated challenge that policymakers, communities, and families all wrestle with.

Breaking Down the Policies

So, what’s on Trump’s agenda? He’s talking about bringing back the 2017 tax cuts, pushing tariffs even harder, and cutting back on the post-pandemic spending that some say drove prices up. Deregulation is a big part of his pitch, especially in housing and energy—he argues that less government red tape means cheaper prices. And then there’s the idea of new trade moves aimed at “bringing jobs back,” which he claims will boost wages and help control inflation.

If you’re one of the millions paying rent or a mortgage, you know the squeeze is real. Trump’s take: loosen regulations so builders can put more homes on the market, which should ease prices. It’s a classic supply-and-demand idea—more homes equals less pressure on prices. There’s some proof this can work. For example, Sun Belt cities with more relaxed zoning have seen rents soften a bit, at least temporarily.

But here’s the catch: local politics often throw a wrench in these plans. Zoning laws aren’t set in Washington—they’re decided city by city. In places like New York or Los Angeles, deep-rooted “not-in-my-backyard” attitudes can block new construction no matter what happens federally. So even if the White House cuts federal red tape, if city councils don’t cooperate, affordability stays out of reach.

The Tariff Tightrope

Tariffs are another big piece of Trump’s plan. The idea is simple: slap tariffs on imports to encourage companies to make more stuff in the U.S., which should create jobs and raise incomes. Sounds good in theory, but it’s tricky in practice. Tariffs often raise prices on everyday goods—think cars, appliances, even your groceries. Balancing protection for U.S. industries without making everything cost more is a tough act to pull off.

Take the 2018 steel and aluminum tariffs as an example. Domestic steel mills got a boost, but carmakers and builders faced higher costs, and consumers ultimately paid the price. So, anyone promising that tariffs will magically make life more affordable is skipping over some hard lessons from the past. Tariffs can protect certain industries, sure, but they don’t always help with the bigger picture of keeping living expenses down.

Tax Cuts: Who Really Benefits?

Trump is also hinting at reviving the 2017 tax cut playbook—cut taxes to put more money in workers’ pockets. On paper, this means people keep more of what they earn, which should help with affordability. But tax cuts aren’t very targeted. High earners tend to get the biggest benefits, while middle- and low-income families see smaller changes. Plus, if tax cuts increase the federal deficit, that can push up interest rates, which makes mortgages and loans more expensive.

Looking back, the 2017 tax cuts did boost take-home pay for some, but the impact on prices was indirect. If you were in the right income bracket, you probably noticed some relief. Otherwise, rising costs in things like rent, healthcare, and education often swallowed up those gains pretty quickly. Tax cuts feel good, but other expenses can easily wipe out the benefit.

Energy: More Drilling, Cheaper Gas?

When it comes to energy, Trump’s approach is straightforward: “drill, baby, drill.” Open up more land for oil and gas, roll back environmental rules, and speed up permits. The goal? Lower energy prices, more jobs, and cheaper gas at the pump. During his first term, U.S. energy production did rise, and gas prices dropped—at least until global events shifted the market.

I’ve seen how a local drilling boom can lower gas prices for a bit. But here’s the thing: oil prices are set worldwide, and events far beyond U.S. borders—like conflicts or OPEC decisions—often have the final say. Plus, this strategy doesn’t really tackle the rising importance of affordable clean energy, which is becoming a bigger deal for many families. It’s a short-term win that doesn’t fully address longer-term costs or climate concerns.

Bringing Jobs Back, But at What Cost?

Trump’s push to reshore manufacturing through incentives and tariffs aims to boost employment in certain industries. New factories can definitely lift local economies, and I’ve seen communities benefit from that. But more jobs alone don’t guarantee life gets cheaper. If those jobs pay less than before, or if tariffs raise the cost of goods, families might feel stuck in place financially.

The Reality Check

Two big things to keep in mind: first, these policies take time—years or even decades—to really move the needle. People living paycheck to paycheck need relief now, not five years down the road. Second, the impact varies a lot by region. A tax cut might be more meaningful in Texas than in New York, where state taxes soak up much of it. Tariffs might help a steel town but hurt farmers who rely on exports.

So, where does all this leave us as Trump prepares for the State of the Union? The affordability debate isn’t about quick fixes or magic bullets. Cut taxes, and you risk bigger deficits. Deregulate, and local politics might block you. Push tariffs, and prices might go up at the store.

At the end of the day, the real challenge is figuring out how to make life easier on average Americans without kicking the can down the road or creating new problems elsewhere. The best solutions usually come from a mix of policies working together—not any one flashy headline.

Trump’s ideas are bold and some have merit, but history shows they’re not one-size-fits-all and can sometimes backfire or stall. As we head into another round of political promises, it’s worth remembering that affordability is a tough nut to crack—and there’s no simple shortcut.

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