Trump Faces Backlash Over ‘Affordability’ Claims After Election

URGENT UPDATE: Donald Trump is facing intense ridicule after claiming to have discovered the “new word”—affordability—sparking a dramatic shift in his rhetoric. This revelation comes on the heels of the GOP’s disappointing performance in the recent elections, where everyday costs were a major concern for voters.

Shortly after the election results on November 7, 2025, Trump took to his platform, Truth Social, stating, “If affordability is your issue, VOTE REPUBLICAN! Energy costs, as an example, are plummeting.” However, experts quickly countered these claims, noting that energy prices are actually on the rise.

MSNBC’s Steve Benen highlighted Trump’s sudden fixation on affordability, pointing out that until this week, the former president had never mentioned the word in his tweets. Benen emphasized the irony, stating, “He literally never wrote a tweet that included the word ‘affordability.’” This shift appears to be a direct response to the Democrats’ electoral success, where they effectively addressed cost-of-living challenges.

In a passionate tirade, Trump declared, “2025 Thanksgiving dinner under Trump is 25% lower than 2024 Thanksgiving dinner under Biden, according to Walmart.” However, this statement misrepresents Walmart’s adjustments, which were made by reducing product offerings and substituting brand-name items for cheaper alternatives, not due to any policy changes from the White House.

During a recent interview on Fox News with Bret Baier, Trump further asserted that his administration had brought energy costs “way down,” a claim that experts have debunked as false. He also claimed that grocery prices were significantly lower, which contradicts current inflation trends affecting consumers.

Trump’s assertion that affordability is a new focus for Republicans has been met with skepticism. Benen argues that the GOP’s failure to address the rising cost of living remains a significant hurdle, regardless of their newfound rhetoric. He noted that Democrats’ electoral wins stemmed from highlighting these failures and proposing real solutions, rather than merely mentioning affordability.

With the 2025 elections approaching, Trump’s shift in messaging is likely to be scrutinized further. Voters are increasingly concerned about economic issues, and it remains to be seen whether the GOP can effectively pivot their strategy amidst rising costs.

The situation continues to evolve, and as Trump doubles down on his rhetoric, the political implications of his comments on affordability could shape the upcoming electoral landscape. Watch for further developments as this story unfolds.