Today, Explained Trump can't bring prices down
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Nov 17, 2025 
Victoria Guida, an economics correspondent for Politico, and Catherine Rampell, economics editor at The Bulwark, dive into the complexities of pricing amid economic promises. They discuss how Trump's tariffs aimed at job protection have inadvertently raised prices. The duo explores the rising costs of energy and food, as well as escalating housing prices. Rampell highlights the difficulty of presidential influence over prices, emphasizing that falling prices may indicate economic trouble. Voter dissatisfaction rooted in unmet affordability promises adds a fascinating layer to the conversation.
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Voters Trust Pre-Pandemic Memory
- Voters remembered low inflation during Trump's first term and linked that memory to competence.
- That memory and his business persona helped sell his promise to bring prices down.
Tariffs Raise Prices Even If They Aid Jobs
- Tariffs can conflict with promises to lower prices because they raise import costs.
- Trump implemented tariffs that likely pushed some consumer prices higher.
Electricity Costs Are Rising Fast
- Electricity prices have risen sharply and vary regionally due to grid costs and policy choices.
- Opposition to green energy under Trump likely contributed to higher electricity costs.