On Tuesday, President Trump dismissed the notion of affordability as a “con job” orchestrated by Democrats, marking a significant departure from his recent rhetoric that echoed consumer concerns over the rising cost of living.

Labeling affordability as a “hoax,” Trump addressed his Cabinet, downplaying the likelihood of the Republican-led Congress finalizing a deal to avert substantial hikes in health insurance premiums. He remarked, “Democrats throw around the term ‘affordability,’ but it’s just empty talk.”

He further elaborated, asserting, “The Democrats’ use of the word ‘affordability’ is nothing more than a deception.”

This critique on his economic policies represents a notable pivot from Trump’s recent attempts to position himself as a champion of affordability, even dubbing himself the “affordability president” just the previous week.

In a cordial meeting at the White House on November 22, Trump engaged with Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani. During this ice-breaking encounter, Mamdani shared insights into how his Democratic campaign resonated with working-class voters who are anxious about escalating living expenses.

Trump amicably discussed the issue with Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani at an ice-breaking White House meeting on Nov. 22 during which the incoming mayor recounted how his Democratic campaign won over working-class voters concerned about the high cost of living.

He has apparently decided that even using the word lends credence to Democratic attacks on his handling of the economy and inflation which Trump blames on former President Joe Biden.

“I inherited the worst inflation in history,” Trump said. “There was no affordability.”

Vice President JD Vance echoed Trump’s message, predicting that the U.S. economy would strengthen next year.

“It is absurd that Democrats talk about an affordability crisis that they created,” Vance said. “We are fixing the problem that Joe Biden caused. .. 2026 is going to be the year that this economy really takes off.”

Trump also offered some support to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who is facing a mushrooming scandal over allegations that he ordered the killings of survivors from a September attack on supposed drug boats in the Caribbean.

Hegseth himself sought to pass the buck on the contentious decision, saying it was made by a top Pentagon general.

Trump faces a difficult political environment as he closes out the first year of his second term in office. Recent polls put his approval rating at around 40%, with even lower ratings for his handling of the economy and inflation.

Americans largely blame Trump’s tariffs for raising the prices they pay at the cash register and experts say companies will continue to pass the high levies on imported goods on to consumers.

The standoff on extending tax credits for Affordable Care Act health insurance policies could mark another blow to Trump as more than 20 million Americans are expected to suffer big increases in premiums if he cannot get Republican allies in Congress to agree to a deal.

The test of the White House message will come as the 2026 midterms edge closer and Democrats aim to flip the House of Representatives and put Republicans on the defensive in the Senate.

The GOP holds a narrow six-seat edge in the House, meaning Democrats would likely only need to flip a handful of seats to win control of the lower chamber and put a significant block on Trump’s right-wing agenda.