Trump's Terms

White House scrambles to address voters' affordability concerns as Trump dismisses it

Nov 13, 2025
Tamara Keith, NPR's senior White House correspondent, dives into the shifting political landscape after recent Democratic victories. She explores how affordability has emerged as a primary voter concern, despite Trump downplaying it as a political gimmick. Keith discusses the disconnect between economic indicators—like tariffs and stock market gains—and the everyday struggles of families facing rising costs. She also highlights the White House's strategy to engage with voters through increased domestic travel and anticipated tariff rollbacks to alleviate grocery prices.
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INSIGHT

Economic Metrics Don't Reflect Daily Reality

  • Voters feel economic pain despite record stock market and retirement-account highs.
  • Trump cites tariffs and market gains, but those metrics don't translate to daily affordability for many.
INSIGHT

Affordability Is Voters' Top Concern

  • Polls show voters rank the economy and cost of living as top concerns and blame the president's policies.
  • Those perceptions persisted even as officials touted economic gains.
ANECDOTE

Trump's Public Reaction To Election Losses

  • After Democrats' wins, President Trump increased public commentary about affordability.
  • He later downplayed voters' complaints as a "con job" when pressed by Laura Ingraham.
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