WASHINGTON D.C. — As the government shutdown inflicts mounting pain on American families, Senate Democrats are reportedly poised to accept a deal that abandons key protections for millions, signaling a stunning retreat in the high-stakes standoff with Republicans. The potential agreement would end the shutdown without securing an extension of critical health care benefits, a concession experts warn will inevitably trigger higher insurance rates for everyone.
The move is being blasted by critics as accepting a “wooden nickel of a deal,” especially in the wake of recent elections where voters seemingly gave Democrats a mandate to stand firm against Republican hardline tactics. While former President Trump and his party continue to be blamed for initiating the shutdown, the perception of “weak-kneed” Democrats willing to fold under pressure is growing.
This political capitulation in Washington stands in stark contrast to the ongoing festivities at former President Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. As 1 in 8 Americans lost access to federal SNAP food benefits, guests at the exclusive club were treated to a lavish dinner of filet and scallops. The scene mirrored another recent event at the resort—a “Great Gatsby” themed party held under the banner, “A Little Party Never Killed Anyone,” which took place just hours before the initial food aid cuts took effect.
The human cost of the political gridlock is undeniable. The shutdown has exacerbated the economic strain on households already grappling with skyrocketing inflation and soaring grocery prices that have marked the Trump era. A recent Supreme Court ruling allowed the full funding for the SNAP program to lapse during the shutdown, leaving a massive gap in the nation’s food security net.
The image of opulent parties set against a backdrop of widespread economic anxiety and political failure captures the deep disconnect between the country’s leadership and the citizens they serve. As Democrats prepare to end the fight with little to show for it, millions are left to face the consequences.
Blue Press Journal – Despite Donald Trump’s repeated assertions that prices are “way down,” the reality is that grocery prices are rising at a rate nearly twice as fast as they were during the final year of the Biden administration. The data, sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, tells a starkly different story than the one Trump is peddling.
According to a HuffPost analysis of the data, inflation for food items has been running at 3.1% since Trump declared his trade war against the rest of the world in early April. This is compared to 1.8% in Biden’s final year. The numbers are clear: Trump’s tariffs have led to increased costs for American consumers, and the impact is being felt at the grocery store.
The Impact of Trump’s Tariffs
Trump’s tariffs, which are paid by American importers at ports of entry, have hit products from virtually every country, including those with which the United States has free trade agreements. Items like coffee, bananas, sugar, and seafood have seen some of the most dramatic price increases thanks to tariffs.
Product
Price Increase Since Trump’s Tariffs
Coffee
12.1%
Bananas
8.5%
Sugar
7.3%
Seafood
6.2%
The data makes it clear that Trump’s claims about prices being lower are, in fact, a lie. “I can’t tell you why the president lies, but I can tell you that everything he has said about prices being lower is a lie,” said University of Michigan economist Justin Wolfers. “I’m starting to think that he doesn’t actually care about the cost of living.”
Experts agree that Trump’s tariffs are increasing costs for U.S. consumers and will continue to make Americans poorer as long as they remain in effect. “I have no insight on why the president says what he says, but tariffs are increasing costs for U.S. consumers, and they will continue to make Americans poorer as long as they remain in effect,” said Erica York, vice president of federal tax policy at the Tax Foundation.
The Reality of Grocery Price Inflation
The numbers are stark: in the months since Trump announced his so-called “Liberation Day” tariffs on goods from the rest of the world, inflation on groceries is running at 3.1% on an annualized basis. This is a significant increase from the 1.8% rate seen during Biden’s final year.
It’s clear that Trump’s lies about prices are not fooling Americans. As the data continues to show rising grocery prices, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for Trump to spin the narrative. The reality is that his tariffs are having a negative impact on American consumers, and it’s time for a change.
Trump’s claims about prices being “way down” are not supported by the data. The numbers reveal rising grocery prices and increased costs for consumers. Experts warn that Trump’s tariffs are devastating the economy. How long will Americans be misled by Trump’s lies about prices?
U.S. consumer confidence has dropped to its lowest level in nearly three and a half years, as the nation grapples with the longest government shutdown in American history. According to data released Friday by the University of Michigan’s Surveys of Consumers, the Consumer Sentiment Index fell sharply to 50.3 in early November, down from 53.6 in October — a clear sign that economic anxiety is spreading across households.
The shutdown, now entering its second month, has been driven by a political standoff in Congress. Republican lawmakers have refused to approve funding measures that include provisions aimed at lowering health insurance costs for American consumers. The impasse has triggered widespread disruptions across basic government services and has deepened public concern about the economic fallout.
For millions of lower-income households, the crisis is hitting home. Cuts to essential benefits, including food stamps, have left many struggling for food. Hundreds of thousands of federal employees have been furloughed without pay, while others work without wages. Transportation systems suffer from staffing shortages, causing flight delays and grounding aircraft, affecting travelers nationwide.
The economic uncertainty has been compounded by shifting inflation expectations and the Trump tariffs. The survey found that consumers now expect inflation over the next year to rise to 4.7%, up slightly from 4.6% in October. Long-term inflation expectations dipped to 3.6% from 3.9%, indicating cautious optimism about price stability in the years ahead, but little relief for immediate cost-of-living pressures.
Republican leadership and President Trump has effectively held essential services hostage, weakening the broader economy and eroding public trust in governance. Economists warn that prolonged instability could push the country toward slower growth, higher unemployment, and sustained consumer pessimism.
Blue Press Journal – As a great political strategist once famously declared, “it’s the economy, stupid.” That blunt assessment now cuts deep into the heart of America’s economic landscape, as the latest report reveals a shocking surge in U.S. layoffs for October, reaching a two-decade high. These alarming figures paint a grim picture, casting a harsh light on the efficacy of the economic policies championed by President Donald Trump. In short, the Trump economic policies are not working.
The deep cuts are not isolated incidents but a widespread phenomenon, attributed by Challenger to industries rapidly adopting AI-driven changes and intensifying cost-cutting measures. Tech firms led the charge in job culling within the private sector, closely followed by retailers and the broader services sector – industries often seen as barometers of consumer confidence and economic health.
The year-to-date figures are equally unsettling. From January to the end of October, employers have announced a staggering 1,099,500 job cuts, a 65% rise compared to the 664,839 cuts announced during the same period last year. Alarmingly, October not only saw individual companies announcing massive layoffs, but a significantly higher number of firms initiated job cut plans—nearly 450 companies compared to under 400 in September. These are numbers that Trump can’t spin.
Donald Trump campaigned on promises of economic prosperity and price control, yet this report provides evidence that his economic strategies are harming the American economy. The figures clearly show that his policies are ineffective and their lingering effects are detrimental to the workforce. This report serves as a rebuke, indicating that his administration is damaging the American economy.
When Donald Trump won the 2024 presidential election, he did so on a wave of voter frustration—a deep dissatisfaction with the state of the U.S. economy, persistent inflation, and a soaring cost of living that plagued Kamala Harris’s campaign. His bold promise to “bring prices down” resonated across political lines, especially in key battleground states where families felt the financial squeeze more than ever.
Yet, one year into his second presidency, Trump’s economic promises appear more illusion than reality. Far from delivering relief, the latest data show inflation rising, household expenses climbing, and public confidence in his economic leadership sinking fast.
The Core Promise: Lowering Costs for Ordinary Americans
On the campaign trail, Trump’s rhetoric was clear: “We will bring grocery prices down. We will make energy affordable again. And we will end the economic pain caused by the Harris-Biden administration.” That clarity, coupled with aggressive attacks on his opponent’s record, helped him secure victory.
A year later, however, the picture looks grim. Grocery prices—already high—have surged to historic levels. Beef, coffee, and bananas have hit record highs, and the cost of electricity is biting deeply into household budgets.
Economic Snapshot – November 2025
Category
Price Change (YoY)
Notable Factors
Beef
+18%
Tariffs on South American imports, increased feed costs
Coffee
+22%
Tariffs on Brazil, supply chain disruptions
Bananas
+25%
Import restrictions, climate impacts
Electricity
+15%
Reduced renewable subsidies, fuel cost increases
Overall Inflation
+6.1%
Tariff-induced price pressures, labor shortages
Tariffs, Immigration Crackdowns, and Rising Prices
The administration’s economic strategy has heavily focused on aggressive global tariffs—meant to protect U.S. industries but instead often raising costs for U.S. consumers. Combined with strict immigration crackdowns that have reduced the labor force in agriculture and manufacturing, supply chains have been squeezed from multiple directions.
Economists warn that such policies can backfire. As economist Dr. Laura Benton told The Washington Post:
“Tariffs can protect certain domestic industries in the short term, but when applied so broadly and amid labor shortages, they almost inevitably raise consumer prices. In this case, the everyday American shopper is paying the price for political posturing.”
The Energy Gap: Another Broken Promise
Energy affordability was another cornerstone of Trump’s campaign platform. He accused the previous administration of “killing U.S. energy independence” and promised a resurgence in domestic oil, gas, and coal production to slash prices.
Yet, electricity prices have risen sharply—up 15% in just a year—due partly to reduced subsidies for renewable energy projects and volatile fossil fuel markets. Utility companies have passed higher costs on to consumers, further squeezing household budgets.
Trump’s “energy-first” rhetoric hasn’t translated into meaningful savings for Americans. In fact, higher energy costs disproportionately hurt lower-income households who spend a larger portion of their earnings on utilities.
Public Opinion: Approval in Decline
The political cost has been significant. According to a recent Washington Post-ABC News poll:
59% of Americans assign Trump either “a great deal” or “a good amount” of blame for current inflation.
His approval rating on handling the economy sits at 37%, versus 62% disapproval.
These numbers reflect a sharp decline from his post-election honeymoon period when many voters were willing to give him time to fulfill his promises.
During a recent interview on CBS’ “60 Minutes”, Trump was asked directly about his message to Americans struggling financially. Rather than addressing inflation or energy costs, he pivoted to discussing crime and immigration—issues where polling shows he performs better with the public. The dodge was glaring, and to many observers, telling.
Tax Cuts for the Wealthy – Paid for by Cuts to Medicaid
In a move that has drawn intense criticism, Trump signed his “Big Beautiful Bill” into law—a sweeping measure that extended his 2017 tax cuts primarily benefiting the wealthy, costing the U.S. government nearly $4 trillion over the next decade.
To help fund these cuts, his administration slashed Medicaid by $800 billion, a decision that has alarmed healthcare advocates and left millions vulnerable. For Americans facing rising costs on all fronts, the policy has reinforced a perception that Trump’s economic priorities favor the affluent over the working class.
Advocacy group spokesperson Maria Alvarez told reporters:
“These policies are not designed to help the average American family. Cutting vital healthcare programs while lavishing tax breaks on billionaires sends a clear message: you are on your own.”
The Danger of Political Promises Untethered from Policy Reality
Trump’s inability—or unwillingness—to deliver on his core economic promises raises broader questions about the nature of political campaigning. In retrospect, his vow to bring down grocery and energy prices may have been less an achievable policy goal than an effective electoral talking point.
Political analyst Greg Stanton argues:
“Campaign promises are often aspirational, but when they’re made in absolute terms—like pledging to lower prices ‘fast’—they set expectations that can implode if reality doesn’t cooperate. That’s when broken promises become political liabilities.”
The Cost of Distrust
Broken promises don’t just harm an administration’s approval ratings; they erode trust in the political process itself. For Americans who voted in 2024 hoping for economic relief, the past year has been a painful reminder that campaign rhetoric and governing reality can be miles apart.
This distrust carries consequences beyond Trump’s presidency—it deepens political polarization, discourages voter engagement, and fuels cynicism.
The Price of Broken Promises
The story of Trump’s second term thus far is one of unmet expectations. The promises to lower everyday costs have not materialized. Instead, tariffs, energy price hikes, and cuts to social programs have compounded the financial strain on millions.
For the voters who propelled him back into office, the disappointment is palpable. As inflation edges upward and household budgets tighten, the gap between campaign promises and lived reality grows ever wider.
In politics, promises can win elections—but failing to keep them can define a presidency. One year in, Donald Trump’s economic record is not one of triumph, but of trust broken.
Blue Press Journal (Opinion) – As the nation grapples with the chaos and destruction wrought by the Trump administration, many are left wondering: how long do we have to tolerate this regime? The answer, much like the Trump presidency itself, remains shrouded in uncertainty. Despite his boasts of strength and stability, the truth is that Trump’s grip on power is weakening, and the cracks are beginning to show.
The recent events in Chicago, where kids and cops were tear-gassed, serve as a stark reminder of the administration’s willingness to use force to suppress dissent. Meanwhile, a judge is holding ICE and CBP officials accountable for their actions, a move that underscores the growing pushback against the administration’s draconian immigration policies. The destruction of the East Wing of the White House, which has left Americans horrified, is a potent symbol of the regime’s disdain for the very institutions it is supposed to uphold.
Even Trump’s loyal base is beginning to show signs of disillusionment. As UFC fighters start to turn away from him, it’s clear that the president’s aura of invincibility is starting to fade. His promises to make life better for his white male base, which included claims that he would “end inflation on day one,” “make America affordable again,” and “slash energy and electricity prices by half within 12 months,” have proven to be nothing more than empty rhetoric.
In reality, Trump’s policies have made things worse. Instead of cutting energy prices, his killing off of Biden’s green energy projects in exchange for fossil fuel campaign money has led to skyrocketing electricity prices nationwide. The cost of groceries and housing has also increased, leaving many Americans struggling to make ends meet. As Trump himself once said, “We’re going to win so bigly, you won’t even believe it.” But for many Americans, the only thing that’s “bigly” is the size of their bills.
The regime’s association with child rapists, including Jeffrey Epstein, has also come under scrutiny. Mike Johnson’s attempts to engineer a cover-up have been exposed, and Republicans are finally starting to demand answers. As one Republican representative noted, “The American people deserve to know the truth about the president’s association with these individuals.” Trump’s response, predictably, has been to deny any wrongdoing and attack his critics. But as the saying goes, “you can’t hide the truth forever.”
As the international community watches in horror, Trump’s policies are damaging America’s relationships with its allies. His embrace of Putin and Netanyahu, his betrayal of Ukraine, and his saber-rattling against Venezuela have all contributed to a growing sense of unease. The tariffs he has imposed on Brazil, which were recently blocked by five Republican senators, are just the latest example of his misguided economic policies. As one senator noted, “These tariffs are a tax on American consumers, and they will only serve to hurt our economy.”
In the end, it’s clear that Trump’s regime is weaker than he wants us to believe. The question is, how long can he hold things together? As the walls begin to close in, and his loyal followers start to abandon ship, it’s likely that we won’t have to tolerate this regime for much longer. As Trump himself once said, “I’m a winner, I’m a champion, I’m a master builder.” But for many Americans, the only thing he’s building is a legacy of chaos and destruction.
Blue Press Journal – In a rare display of bipartisan pushback against President Trump’s trade policies, the Senate voted to block tariffs on Brazil, with five Republicans joining every Democrat in support of the resolution. The legislation, which would terminate the national emergencies declared by Trump to justify 50% tariffs on Brazil, aims to mitigate the impact of these tariffs on American consumers.
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York slammed Trump’s tariffs, stating, “Every American who wakes up in the morning to get a cup of java is paying a price for Donald Trump’s reckless, ridiculous, and almost childish tariffs.” The tariffs, which affect coffee imports from Brazil, have led to increased prices for American coffee lovers.
The vote demonstrated a notable split within the Republican Party, with Sens. Susan Collins of Maine, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Rand Paul of Kentucky, and Thom Tillis of North Carolina defying the President’s stance on tariffs. However, despite this bipartisan support, the legislation is likely doomed due to the Republican-controlled House’s new rules, which allow leadership to prevent it from coming up for a vote.
Furthermore, even if the legislation were to pass Congress, Trump would almost certainly veto it. The President has linked the tariffs on Brazil to the country’s policies and criminal prosecution of former President Jair Bolsonaro, a move that has been widely criticized as an overreach of executive power.
The U.S. ran a $6.8 billion trade surplus with Brazil last year, according to the Census Bureau, making the tariffs a questionable economic decision. Democrats argue that the tariffs will only serve to harm American consumers and businesses, while failing to address the underlying trade issues with Brazil.
Blue Press Journal – The government shutdown has entered its second week, and the American public is growing increasingly frustrated with the lack of progress in resolving the crisis. While the effects of the shutdown become more apparent, President Donald Trump and most House Republicans are noticeably absent from the negotiations.
Trump, who has touted himself as a great deal maker, is currently in Asia, leaving many to wonder if he has any concerns for the American public. Meanwhile, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has opted to keep the lower chamber out of session this week, earning criticism for leading a “do nothing” Republican Congress.
The absence of Trump and House Republicans from the negotiations has drawn growing scrutiny. Senator Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) expressed his frustration during a CNBC interview on Monday, “How can I negotiate? The president is in Asia for five days. Johnson is basically keeping… the House of Representatives out until January to stop and protect pedophiles. So who am I negotiating with right now?”
Even some Republicans are criticizing Trump’s lack of engagement. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) told CNN’s Manu Raju, “I don’t know that we’ve ever had a shutdown… where the president was not engaged at the end. And so I think that that would certainly help.”
The shutdown has already started to take its toll on the economy, with hundreds of thousands of federal workers furloughed or working without pay. The longer the shutdown continues, the more severe the consequences will be. It is clear that the Republicans have no interest in governing, and their absence from the negotiations is a stark reminder of their priorities.
In a scathing editorial on Sunday, The Wall Street Journal criticized President Donald Trumpfor his reaction to an Ontario government ad that pushed back against his tariffs. The newspaper’s conservative editorial board declared that Trump was “wrong” on two counts and “shouldn’t get away” with his actions.
The controversy began when the Ontario government released an ad featuring a 1987 speech by Ronald Reagan, in which the former president warned about the dangers of tariffs. Trump responded by falsely calling the ad “fake,” declaring trade talks with Canada over, and slapping an extra 10% tariff on Canadian goods.
The Wall Street Journal’s editorial board argued that Trump’s tariffs are doing economic damage by raising costs for consumers and businesses, and by dampening economic growth. “He has been fortunate that his tariffs haven’t triggered much retaliation, which has spared us from a global trade war,” the board wrote. “But the tariffs are doing economic damage… and by dampening animal spirits that should be soaring with his tax bill and deregulation.”
The editorial also took aim at Trump’s attempt to co-opt Reagan’s legacy on trade. “He can boast about tariffs all he wants,” the board concluded, “but he shouldn’t get away with taking Reagan’s trade beliefs in vain.” The Journal’s criticism is significant, given its conservative leaning and usual support for Republican policies.
The spat between Trump and Canada is the latest escalation in a trade dispute that has been simmering for months. Trump’s tariffs on Canadian goods, including steel and aluminum, have been met with retaliatory measures from Canada, which has imposed its own tariffs on American goods.
The Wall Street Journal’s criticism of Trump’s tariff policy is not isolated. Economists and business leaders warn that the tariffs will harm the US economy and raise consumer prices. As the trade dispute escalates, it remains to be seen if Trump will reconsider his trade policy. One thing is certain: The Wall Street Journal will hold him accountable.
The latest consumer price index (CPI) report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) paints a grim picture for working families in the United States. Prices rose at a 3% annual rate in September, the highest pace since the beginning of the year, with gas prices increasing by 4.1% last month. This surge in prices is having a devastating impact on consumer sentiment, which has fallen to a five-month low in October.
According to experts, the Trump administration’s tariff policies and the GOP’s inflationary budget law are responsible for the rising cost of living. Economic expert Dutta-Gupta stated, “This administration and Congress prioritize massive tax cuts for billionaires while making it harder for regular people to afford necessities.” The refusal to fund vital food assistance programs will only worsen the situation for struggling families.
The effects of the administration’s policies are far-reaching. As economist Heather Boushey noted, “High tariffs and ICE rounding up employees push prices upwards, while the lack of a coherent economic agenda threatens to push the economy into reverse.” These policies are impacting working families, who struggle to make ends meet as living costs rise.
The rising cost of food and gas is particularly concerning, as these are essential expenses that families cannot avoid. With food prices increasing by 0.2% in September, families are being forced to make difficult choices about how to allocate their limited budgets. The impact of these price increases will be felt disproportionately by low-income families, who already struggle to afford basic necessities.
The Trump administration’s policies are impacting working families, who face higher prices and difficulty making ends meet. By prioritizing billionaire donors over ordinary Americans, it’s clear they have no intention of addressing the issue. A change in economic policy is needed, one that focuses on the needs of working families and ensures access to basic necessities.
Blue Press Journal 