In brief
President Donald Trump campaigned on a promise to tackle inflation and reduce prices for essentials like groceries, electricity, and gasoline. A year into his administration, we revisit his claims and examine the market trends, tariffs, and external factors affecting consumers. While some prices have decreased, many have risen or remain high, prompting experts to analyze the real impact of Trump's policies.
President Donald Trump was swept to power for a second time on the back of a central campaign promise to tackle inflation.
The steep rise in the cost of living was top of voters' minds and Trump blamed President Joe Biden.
He also made sweeping promises to bring down prices for Americans 'starting on day one'.
One year on from his victory, we revisit some of the president's claims.
Groceries
'When I win, I will immediately bring prices down, starting on Day One,' Trump declared at an August 2024 news conference surrounded by packaged foods, milk, meats, and eggs.
Official data shows grocery prices rose by 2.7% in the 12 months to September 2025, with some items seeing significantly sharper increases:
- Coffee: 18.9%
- Ground beef: 12.9%
- Bananas: 6.9%
Since Trump took office in January, the data indicates grocery prices have risen each month.
Experts explain that the president has limited control over food prices, especially short-term. Trump's tariffs have contributed to rising costs, notably impacting coffee imported from Brazil.
Additionally, labor shortages in farming, influenced by immigration policies, have also played a role in price increases.
Electricity
Trump pledged to slash electricity prices sharply during his campaign. However, data shows that average residential electricity rates have risen since he took office.
Factors like increased demand for electricity, particularly from data centers, and supply chain issues have led to higher prices, contradicting his promise.
Cars
At a rally, Trump promised to lower car prices. Yet, the average price of a new car has surpassed $50,000, reflecting ongoing inflation driven by tariffs – especially in the automotive sector.
Gasoline
Trump's campaign promise of getting gasoline below $2 a gallon remains largely unfulfilled. The current national average for gasoline is around $3.079, although it has dropped from higher prices.
In summary, while certain prices have fallen and the administration points to policy efforts aimed at curbing inflation, many costs remain high or have risen since Trump's second term began. Experts emphasize that numerous external factors are at play that can complicate the president's pledges.
