Staff Reports
In the latest episode of the political circus that is post-election America, Donald Trump returned to the spotlight, reminding everyone how he took the White House by capitalizing on voters’ frustrations with inflation and immigration. Almost two months ago, Trump credited his victory to the outrage over skyrocketing grocery prices. He pointed out that items, supposedly staples in most American diets like apples and bacon, saw their prices ballooning. Naturally, for a man who once balanced an annual budget with different kinds of steaks, this price surge did not sit well.
Fast forward to Trump’s grand re-entry into the Oval Office, and instead of immediately tackling these horrendous prices that made impressions on voters’ wallets, he trotted out a series of executive orders that barely scratched the surface. Sure, he initiated some vague “appropriate actions” from federal agencies, yet the swift action his supporters hoped for seemed lacking. Trump’s real focus? Reining in immigration, which he made crystal clear was his top priority right after being sworn in. To Trump, the plight of struggling American families seems almost secondary to the wall—and let’s face it, that wall could probably use more attention.
For anyone still holding out hope that Trump would turn his attention back to the bread-and-butter issues affecting average families, the wait continues. Trump appears to be banking on voters’ continued ire toward Joe Biden for their empty wallets, a strategy only time will tell if it can work again. The facts, however, lurk like a lurking principle of physics: presidents have limited control over inflation without creating unintended consequences elsewhere. But don’t tell Trump that—he’s got a plan.
In the oil and energy sector, Trump has his sights set on cutting regulations and expanding drilling options faster than you can say “green new deal.” He believes that by encouraging domestic oil production and convincing oil companies—even foreign ones—to increase their output, prices at the pump will eventually plummet. Meanwhile, Trump’s vaunted plans for tariffs and tax cuts cast a shadow over the whole affair, suggesting they could spark fresh inflationary woes or even keep interest rates hovering in the stratosphere.
Trump says inflation isn’t his No. 1 issue. So what will happen to consumer prices?https://t.co/ZPsxMf9Tlk pic.twitter.com/3YI3W6SvFE
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) January 26, 2025
At a recent Las Vegas rally, Trump wasted no time in reminding everyone that the root of their economic woes lay with his predecessor—who, to Trump’s dismay, bears the weight of higher prices. He spouted about inflation and incompetence while painting himself as the knight ready to save the working-class damsel in distress. Yet, in the world of economic realities, words can sometimes be more potent than deeds.
While Trump ponders how he could potentially twist the arms of big oil and foreign governments into compliance, the specter of economic disruption looms large. Experts are scratching their heads over whether his ambitious plans can realistically result in cheaper goods across the board. It’s a delicate dance, one that could easily turn from a waltz into a two-left-feet stumble, especially when one considers how stricter immigration policies could potentially yank the lifeline of low-wage labor from various sectors. As ever, the American household waits with bated breath, hoping that Trump’s bold proclamations could translate into actual relief from economic malaise. But as always, the fine print might just be the most important part of the contract with the American voter.
