By David LaGuerre  –

Trump’s Inflation Promises Fall Short: Americans Feel the Pinch

Inflation is back in the spotlight, and President Donald Trump is feeling the heat just one month into his second term. Despite bold campaign promises to bring prices down “starting on Day One,” Americans are still grappling with rising costs at the grocery store, the gas pump, and beyond.

The Grocery Store Struggle

For many, the most painful reminder of inflation is at the grocery store. Egg prices, for example, have soared due to avian flu outbreaks, making them a luxury item for some families. As CNN reports, “Consumers are confronting soaring egg prices — if they’re lucky enough to come across any eggs.”

This isn’t the only area where prices are climbing. Gas prices have also ticked up, with Americans paying four cents more per gallon on average than they were when Trump took office in January, according to AAA data. These increases, while seemingly small, add up quickly for families already stretched thin.

Americans Are Losing Patience

Unsurprisingly, Americans are frustrated. A recent CNN poll revealed that 62% of Americans feel Trump hasn’t done enough to tackle inflation. Similarly, a Pew Research poll found that nearly the same percentage view inflation as “a very big problem.”

The University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment survey also showed a sharp 10% decline in February, driven largely by fears of tariff-induced price increases. As the survey’s director, Joanne Hsu, explained, “The broad decline was in large part due to fears that tariff-induced price increases are imminent.”

Trump’s Blame Game

In response to criticism, Trump has turned to a familiar political strategy: blaming his predecessor. On Truth Social, he declared, “BIDEN INFLATION UP!” and argued that the Biden administration’s spending policies are to blame for the current economic challenges.

“If Joe Biden had simply held federal spending at the pre-pandemic levels we had in 2019, we would have virtually no inflation,” Trump said at a recent event.

While it’s true that inflation began its climb during Biden’s presidency, Trump’s critics argue that his administration’s policies—such as aggressive tariffs and promises of tax cuts—could exacerbate the problem.

Unrealistic Expectations?

To be fair, no president can reverse inflation overnight. Economies are complex, and as Vice President JD Vance admitted, “Rome wasn’t built in a day.” But Trump’s campaign promises of immediate relief have left him with little room for error.

Economists warn that some of Trump’s proposed solutions, such as cutting taxes and ramping up energy drilling, could have unintended consequences. Tax cuts, for instance, might worsen the national debt and drive up borrowing costs, while increased drilling could face resistance from energy companies hesitant to invest during periods of low demand.

A Long Road Ahead

Inflation is a multifaceted issue, influenced by global events, supply chain disruptions, and domestic policies. While Trump’s administration has outlined plans to tackle inflation, including cutting government spending and addressing supply-side issues, these measures will take time to bear fruit.

As Kevin Hassett, Trump’s top economist, acknowledged, “We’re still going to see some memory of Biden’s inflation — it’s not going to go away in a month.”

For now, Americans are left waiting for relief that feels increasingly out of reach. The question remains: Can Trump deliver on his promises, or will his administration’s policies deepen the economic pain? One thing is clear—patience is wearing thin, and the clock is ticking.