Archive · 11 Nov 2025
Trump's Claims on Falling Prices Contradicted by Consumer Experience
Imagine you love pizza, and your parents say pizza prices are going down.
But when you go to buy pizza ingredients, you find that the cheese, pepperoni, and even the dough cost more than before.
President Trump says things like groceries and energy are getting cheaper, but many Americans feel like they are paying more for their food and to heat their homes.
He pointed to a cheaper Thanksgiving meal, but it came with less food.
Some people in his own administration and party think focusing on these rising costs is important for future elections.
If people feel their struggles aren't understood, it could hurt their party's chances.
A Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll indicates 62% of Americans disapprove of Trump's economic handling, with 71% reporting higher grocery costs and nearly 60% higher utility costs.
President Trump claimed significant price reductions in groceries and energy, citing a cheaper Thanksgiving meal as evidence.
Analysis shows the advertised Thanksgiving meal contained fewer items, and the price of turkeys has risen 75% year-over-year.
Specific food prices such as ground beef are at record highs, and ground coffee has increased by 40%.
Despite Trump's assertions, data shows grocery prices have increased 2.7% from a year ago, and electricity costs are expected to rise for many households.
- Who
- President Donald Trump and American consumers
- What
- A disconnect exists between President Trump's claims of decreasing economic costs (specifically groceries and energy) and the lived experiences of Americans facing rising prices for essential goods.
- When
- Recent weeks, highlighted by polling data and the author's analysis of economic trends.
- Where
- United States
- Why
- Trump's administration is accused of ignoring or downplaying the impact of inflation on average citizens, while consumers are directly experiencing higher costs for food and utilities.
Trump's Stance
Consumer Reality
Overall Cost of Living
Trump's Stance
President Trump claims energy costs and groceries are 'way down' and that costs have significantly reduced.
Consumer Reality
A significant majority of Americans (71%) report paying more for groceries this year than last, and almost 60% are paying more for utilities, according to a poll.
Thanksgiving Meal Costs
Trump's Stance
Trump highlighted a $40 Thanksgiving meal as a 25% cost reduction under his administration.
Consumer Reality
The advertised Thanksgiving meal is less expensive because it contains fewer items, and the price of a turkey has actually increased by 75% year-over-year.
Specific Food Prices
Trump's Stance
Trump insists prices are down, implying broad decreases.
Consumer Reality
Consumers are facing record highs for ground beef and significant price increases for ground coffee, despite some specific items like eggs seeing decreases.
Energy Costs
Trump's Stance
Trump stated that energy costs are 'way down.'
Consumer Reality
While propane and heating oil costs may be down, homes using electricity are expected to pay more.
- Disapproval of Trump's Economy Handling
- 62% (up from 53% in February)
- Paying More for Groceries
- 71%
- Paying More for Utilities
- Almost 60%
- Turkey Price Increase (YoY)
- 75%
- Coffee Price Increase (YoY)
- 40%
- Ground Beef Price (per pound)
- $6.32 (record high)
- Grocery Price Increase (YoY)
- 2.7%
- Recent Job Cuts
- Over 150,000 in October