Trump's affordability message keeps running into trouble
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President Trump told reporters in the White House briefing room Tuesday that his affordability message has a "public relations" problem.
The big picture: While Trump prepares to talk about affordability in Davos (an elite gathering of billionaires), his Cabinet officials are on TV talking about buying 10-12 houses for retirement and feeding a family three meals a day for about $15.
- At the same time, the latest polls show voters are about as discontented with him on the economy and prices as they've ever been.
What they're saying: President Trump said "we're not getting it across" when discussing the administration's affordability message with reporters.
Catch up quick: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent referenced retirees owning "10 or 12 homes" on stage in Davos while responding to a question about the administration's efforts to ban institutional investors from buying single-family homes.
- This comes after Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins suggested Americans could get a $3 meal consisting of a piece of chicken, a piece of broccoli, a tortilla and "one other thing."
- She later clarified that was not what she meant, and a new simulation indicated three full meals would cost about $15.64.
- That's about $460 a month — though SNAP benefits, which continue to be restricted, total about $300 on average.
By the numbers: A new CBS News/YouGov poll indicates Americans still feel the administration hasn't done enough to combat high prices.
- 74% of respondents said the White House was not doing enough to lower prices.
- 76% said their salaries were not keeping pace with inflation.
- 44% said over the past year, Trump's policies made them worse off financially.
Yes, but: Income levels, commodity prices, corporate profits, productivity, consumption, supply, demand, and a laundry list of other factors impact the price of food.
- Washington may not be able to control all of those factors, but that won't stop voters from wanting to see their politicians try.
What we're watching: Trump is expected to deliver a message about affordability Wednesday from Davos, the largest public annual gathering of the wealthiest people in the world.
The bottom line: The administration wants to land the affordability plane before the midterms.
- It may need a new messaging plan first.
