Donald Trump promised to lower costs on Day One—but just weeks into his presidency, inflation is rising, and he’s already walking back his biggest campaign pledge. 

Instead of delivering relief, Trump’s policies are making life more expensive for working families while he and Elon Musk move at breakneck speed to dismantle the very policies that protect consumers and help everyday Americans get by.

In January, inflation hit 3%, the highest in six months. Families are feeling the pinch—whether it’s higher grocery bills, rising gas prices, or skyrocketing auto insurance. 

“Donald Trump ran on lowering costs, but working families are already paying more under his watch.” said Maryland Democratic Party Chair Ken Ulman. “Maryland Democrats are fighting for real solutions: lowering prices, protecting wages, and building an economy that works for all Americans. If Trump won’t act, Democrats will.”

Meanwhile, President Trump’s tariffs are set to make things worse, just like they did during his last trade war in 2018, when inflation was just 2%. This time, the trade war begins when the US is at 3% and climbing, meaning that President Trump’s recklessness is pulling us into another trade war in a time when Americans are already seeing their pocketbooks stretched thin.

This comes on the heels of a CBS poll that revealed deep concerns about Trump’s handling of the economy. The poll found that:

- Most Americans (66%) say Trump isn’t doing enough to lower prices.

- More than half (51%) believe his policies will raise food and grocery costs.

- Most (63%) report rising egg prices, while only 3% see prices decreasing.

- Only 35% expect to be financially better off under Trump, while more (40%) expect to be financially worse off.

- Nearly half (49%) say Trump places too much of a focus on tariffs compared to 43% who say its the right amount.

- A majority (55%) believe new tariffs won’t reduce fentanyl imports, despite Trump’s claims to the contrary.

Trump made big promises, but working families are already paying the price for his failed leadership. Maryland Democrats are fighting for solutions that put people first—not corporate interests and political stunts.