The 11th Hour with Stephanie Ruhle Trump dismisses affordability crisis while scrambling to push down prices
Jan 14, 2026
David Drucker, a senior writer at The Dispatch, and Mark Joseph Stern, a senior writer at Slate, dive into the heated political climate as Trump dismisses economic affordability, labeling it as a 'fake word.' They discuss escalating tensions in Minneapolis amidst federal clashes with protestors and the DOJ's refusal to probe the controversial ICE shooting. Stern also analyzes the implications of the Supreme Court’s stance on transgender athlete cases, and both guests reflect on the broader repercussions of U.S. foreign policy amidst the turmoil in Iran.
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Affordability Claim vs Voter Reality
- President Trump dismissed "affordability" as a Democratic talking point while claiming the economy is booming.
- Panelists argue voters feel financially stretched despite macro indicators showing resilience.
Perception Trumps Macro Data
- Voters report feeling insecure financially even when macro indicators look strong.
- Toulouse Olorunnipa emphasizes perception matters more than statistics for political outcomes.
Housing Anchors Affordability Concerns
- Housing and affordability drove voter concerns and remain politically potent.
- Trump calling the term "fake" risks alienating those who feel squeezed by living costs.