Donald Trump is facing scrutiny over his campaign promises regarding the reduction of grocery prices amidst rising living costs.
Throughout his campaign for a second term in the White House, Trump highlighted concerns about the cost of groceries.
These pledges on the cost of living were seen as a significant factor in Trump’s 2024 election victory, securing him another term in office.
However, critics have pointed out that prices in the US, including essential items like groceries, continue to climb.
One critic shared an image on social media featuring Trump with a quote from his campaign.
The quote stated: “So when I win I will immediately bring prices down starting on day one.”
The image was widely shared, with comments like: “Has day one started yet?”
Another remarked: “Ironically he gestured at coffee,” noting that coffee is one of the items affected by Trump’s tariff policy.
This criticism followed a report from the American Affordability Tracker, which indicated that US grocery costs have outpaced wage growth, making daily essentials increasingly expensive for households.
According to the report, the average monthly grocery cost increased by 32 percent over the past six years since 2019.
In contrast, wage growth during this period was approximately 29 percent.
The report also detailed childcare costs, using a scenario involving two parents and two children.
It stated that from 2017, childcare expenses for two young children rose by 40 percent, compared to an earnings increase of 37 percent.
Additionally, rent increased by 50 percent, home sale prices surged by 80 percent, and health insurance climbed by 41 percent.
The issue of living costs extends beyond the presidency, with New York City’s mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani centering his successful campaign on city affordability.
Mamdani has directly addressed Trump, accusing him of unfulfilled promises and pledging to New Yorkers that he will uphold his own campaign commitments, which include the novel idea of government-operated grocery stores.
His website outlines: “Without having to pay rent or property taxes, they will reduce overhead and pass on savings to shoppers.
“They will buy and sell at wholesale prices, centralize warehousing and distribution, and partner with local neighborhoods on products and sourcing.”