As summer heats up, barbecues and summer road trips are about to get a whole lot more expensive thanks to Donald Trump’s chaotic and floundering economic agenda. Beef and gas prices are higher than when Trump entered office and are only expected to go higher, as Americans are bracing for an expensive summer. Trump promised to lower prices on Day One, yet over five months later, he’s failed to do so. 

DNC Chair Ken Martin issued the following statement: 

“Donald Trump promised to lower costs on Day One, but instead, we’re seeing record-high beef and rising gas prices due to Trump’s reckless agenda. As summer heats up, grilling and travel are about to get much more expensive thanks to Trump. Democrats are focused on lowering costs for working families, while Trump is focused on everything but.”

Here’s a look at the latest ways Trump’s economic agenda is raising prices: 

Spectrum News: “Beef prices near record high as demand surges”

• “Costs for ground beef, lean ground beef, steak and round roast are up from last year.”

• “Beef prices are expected to increase by 6.6% this year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.” 

Fresno Bee: “Beef prices rising as cattle herds hit historic low; red meat demand steady” 

• “The U.S. Department of Agriculture predicts that beef prices will reach new highs in 2026, as beef production is forecast to decline to 25.1 billion pounds, a 5% drop, from 2025.” 

• “‘The average cost of a cow is about $4,400, double what it was 10 years ago, and if that cow is bred it’s closer to $5,000,’ [Rancher Rizpah Bellard] said. ‘These are unheard of prices.’” 

KCUR: “Beef prices are at an all-time high. Here’s why it’s gotten so expensive” 

• “The average price of a pound of ground beef hit a record $5.98 in May, according to the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That’s a 16% increase from a year before, and with a short supply of cattle, experts say they don’t expect prices to fall anytime soon.” 

Detroit Free Press: “Middle East conflict pushes Michigan gas to highest prices this year” 

• “Sunday, the nationwide average for regular unleaded gasoline was $3.22 a gallon, up 8 cents from a week ago, according to AAA. In Michigan, it was $3.29, up 20 cents from a week ago.” 

• “Communities throughout the state with the highest average gas prices included, Ann Arbor, at $3.33 a gallon; Grand Rapids, $3.30, and metro Detroit, $2.29; the lowest, Marquette, $3.03; Traverse City, $3.21, and Benton Harbor, $3.23.”

Politico: “Oil prices jump as market awaits Iran response to attacks” 

• “Trump had campaigned on promises to lower consumer energy prices as part of his ‘energy dominance’ agenda, but the current average pump price of nearly $3.22 a gallon for regular gasoline is about 10 cents above the price when he was inaugurated — and likely to climb this week.”

Yahoo Finance: “‘Cannot do business in the state of California’: Gas prices could hit $8/gallon as two refineries shut down” 

• “Two large California oil refineries are shutting down, triggering mounting concerns from state legislators, industry groups and many others.”  

• “With less local supply, experts warn of a potential impact that could range from modest spikes (less than $1 per gallon) to more dramatic spikes if supply disruptions occur. One particular analysis forecasts prices could even soar over $8 per gallon by late 2026.” 

###