Today, Donald Trump is heading to Pennsylvania to attempt to assuage voters about their economic concerns — but so far, he and his administration have dismissed the economic reality and repeatedly called affordability a “hoax.” In an interview with POLITICO published this morning, Trump rated himself “A-plus-plus-plus-plus-plus” on the economy, insisted “prices are all coming down,” and told the reporter, “don’t be dramatic” when asked about holiday shopping concerns. 

Nearly one year into Trump’s second term, Americans feel that the cost of living is the worst that they can remember and blame Trump for high prices — including 37% of his own supporters. This holiday season, working families are paying more for health care costs, grocery prices, and electricity bills as inflation continues to rise. 

In response, DNC Rapid Response Director Kendall Witmer released the following statement: 

“Donald Trump has dropped the ball on the economy — and now he’s heading to Pennsylvania to try to convince voters that the economy is in good hands. But Americans aren’t buying what he’s selling. Trump and Republicans have repeatedly called affordability a ‘hoax,’ as Trump gives himself a pat on the back for his ‘A-plus-plus-plus-plus-plus economy.’ The reality is that everyday Americans are struggling to get by because Trump’s policies have caused surging prices and a hollowed-out job market — and Trump has offered nothing but deflection and excuses.”

Here are some highlights of Trump and his mouthpieces, including J.D. Vance and Mike Johnson, dismissing the affordability crisis: 

Donald Trump

Politico: Trump rated himself “A-plus-plus-plus-plus-plus” on the economy and insists “prices are all coming down.” When asked about holiday shopping concerns, Trump shot back: “Don’t be dramatic. Don’t be dramatic.” When asked about supporting a temporary extension of Obamacare subsidies, Trump said, “I don’t know. I’m gonna have to see.”

Truth Social: “Cost, and INFLATION, were far higher under the Sleepy Joe Biden Administration, than they are now. In fact, costs under the TRUMP ADMINISTRATION are tumbling down, helped greatly by gasoline and ENERGY. Affordability is a lie when used by the Dems. It is a complete CON JOB. Thanksgiving costs are 25% lower this year than last, under Crooked Joe! We are the Party of Affordability!”

Remarks at Cabinet Meeting: “Look, affordability is a hoax that was started by Democrats who caused the problem of pricing, and they didn’t end it when — look, they lost in a landslide. […] But the word affordability is a con job by the Democrats, they say affordable. I watched the other day where some very low IQ Congresswoman talked about affordability, affordability, affordability. She had no idea. Their prices were much higher. As an example, energy, gasoline, we’re now at about $2.50 a gallon.”

Remarks During Announcement On CAFE Standards: “Just about everything is down. You know, this whole thing is, they use the word affordability. It’s a Democrat hoax. They’re the ones that drove the prices up. And all they do is say, affordability and you’re supposed to say, oh, that means they had low prices. No, we inherited the worst inflation in the history of our country. They say 48 years, but let’s say that’s history. I don’t believe that.”

JD Vance

Remarks at Brietbart Event: “The thing that I’d ask for the American people is a little bit of patience.”

NBC News: “I think I would certainly say voters are impatient…you’ve got to give a little bit of time for this stuff to work.”

NBC News: “I think what [Trump’s] saying is the idea that, 11 months into the administration, that we could solve all of the affordability problems created by Democrats—I mean, that’s the hoax. The hoax is the idea that it’s our fault and not the Democrats’ fault. And I do think that’s a totally bullshit narrative.”

Mike Johnson

@MZanona on X: “Relax…We are exactly on the trajectory of where we’ve always planned to be. Steady at the wheel, everybody. It’s gonna be fine. Our best days are ahead of us.”

White House Officials

Question: “46% of the people they surveyed believe the current cost of living crisis is ‘the worst they can remember.’ So yes, it takes time. When will they start to see relief?”

Russ Vought: “They’re already seeing relief and I think that has been evident.”

James Blair: “The president has halted inflation and price hikes have halted and now they’re going in the other direction.”