Trump vowed to reduce prices, but his policies have fueled US inflation

Donald Trump won his second term by promising immediate relief on prices, but inflation has instead been worsened by his tariff policies and his war with Iran, according to Guardian columnist Steven Greenhouse. The pressure shows in public opinion: over one in five of Trump's own 2025 voters now disapprove of his performance, and a Fox News poll this month found 77% of Americans disapprove of his handling of tariffs, according to The Guardian.

Greenhouse points to several costs. Gas averages $4. 28 a gallon, per AAA, far from the sub-$2 level Trump promised. Yale Budget Lab estimates tariffs will cost the typical household $1,100 this year, and Moody's Analytics puts the Iran war's toll at roughly $2,000 per household. Since the conflict began eight months ago, gasoline is up over 40% and diesel nearly 70%. Wages and prices have both climbed 5. 4% since January 2025, leaving workers with no real gain. Ending clean-energy subsidies, promoting datacenters and eliminating electric vehicle incentives added further pressure.

White House spokesman Matthew Middleton defended the administration, calling the Iran disruptions temporary and citing tax cuts, cheaper prescription drugs, more than one million private-sector jobs and nearly 20 trade deals.

Summarized by PolitiKool from The Guardian’s reporting. Read the full story at The Guardian →