President Donald Trump labeled the term “affordability” a “Democrat scam” during a televised Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 2, arguing that his political opponents only use the word as talking points without delivering lower costs.
“They say it, and then they go on to the next subject,” the 79-year-old president said. “And everyone thinks, ‘Oh, they had lower prices.’”
Trump went on to claim that “nobody could afford anything” under former President Joe Biden, blaming Biden’s policies for what he described as the “worst inflation in history.”
“Now some people will correct me, because they always love to correct me,” Trump added. “Even though I’m right about everything. But some people like to correct me, and they say 48 years.”
Inflation reached 9.1% in June 2022, the highest rate in four decades, according to Fox Business. The rate remains above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target and has recently ticked up again, the outlet reported.
Recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the annual inflation rate rose to 3% in September — the highest level since the beginning of Trump’s second term, NJ.com reported.
During Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting, Trump appeared to struggle to stay fully alert at times. He occasionally narrowed his eyes and, at one point, seemed to close them entirely as Cabinet members took turns highlighting their accomplishments and praising his leadership.
When reached for comment about his demeanor, the White House provided a statement from press secretary Karoline Leavitt.
“President Trump was listening attentively and running the entire three-hour marathon Cabinet meeting,” Leavitt, 28, said.
Trump made “make America affordable again” a recurring promise during his 2024 campaign. An October CNN poll found that 47% of voters cited the cost of living as their top concern — and 61% said they believed Trump’s policies had worsened economic conditions in the United States.
In November, Trump pointed to what he called a “record high” stock market during a business event in Florida, according to NPR.
“Costs are way down,” Trump said in the Oval Office last month, per the outlet. “My administration and our partners in Congress will continue our work to lower the cost of living, restore public safety, grow our economy and make America affordable again for all Americans.”
