Evaluating Trump's Promises: Have Prices Really Dropped?

Thu Nov 06 2025 09:54:11 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As President Trump marks a year in office, we analyze his commitment to tackle inflation and its effects on everyday costs, including groceries, electricity, cars, and gasoline.

One year after President Trump's re-election campaign, promises made to reduce inflation and living costs are put under the microscope. Grocery, electricity, car, and gasoline prices continue to fluctuate, with recent data revealing price surges despite initial vows. Expert analysis explores the complex factors at play, including tariffs and demand pressures.

Evaluating Trump's Promises: Have Prices Really Dropped?

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 coffee up 18.9% and ground beef up 12.9%. Prices have continued to rise each month since Trump took office. Experts suggest Trump's tariffs on imports, especially on coffee from Brazil, could be driving some of these increases.

Electricity

Trump vowed to cut electricity bills by half within a year, yet rates have instead risen. As of August 2025, residential rates reached 17.62 cents per kWh. Experts argue that supply chain demands and economic pressures related to renewable energy policies may be contributing to these price hikes.

Cars

During his campaign, Trump extended his grocery pledge to cars, yet data shows that the average price of a new vehicle surpassed $50,000 for the first time. The increase is attributed to tariffs on imported vehicles contributing to inflation in the automotive industry.

Gasoline

Trump's gas price pledge of getting prices below $2 per gallon remains unfulfilled; current averages hover around $3.07. Despite recent drops, a White House official states efforts have been made to increase domestic energy production to lower costs.