As former President Donald Trump likes to say, that’s a beautiful thing. These plans invest in affordable housing and health care accessibility for American families. For example, the provocative part of this, he proposes adding 50-year mortgages so that people can choose that instead of a 30-year mortgage. To complement these measures, he proposes a $2,000 monthly subsidy for most Americans. Even Trump has called for a reconsideration of federal health insurance subsidies. He suggests turning that money into direct payment in cash to consumers.
Recent national exit polls demonstrate that the economy, unsurprisingly, remains a major focus for American voters. These proposals could not come at a better time, hitting this top priority on the head. The former president’s 2024 campaign appears to capitalize on the dissatisfaction with the current administration’s handling of economic issues. In fact, recent opinion surveys have shown a growing discontent regarding Trump’s approach to economic management, despite his claims of improving affordability.
Trump’s proposal to expand 50-year mortgages to give prospective homebuyers more affordable options. By lengthening the term of repayment, he’s able to reduce monthly mortgage payments, which further serves to simplify the path to homeownership. Some critics have pushed back against this notion—all the way to the Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene. She pushed back hard, making the case that this strategy will not solve our housing affordability crisis.
Beyond housing, Trump has proposed sending $2,000 monthly checks to the majority of Americans. This multi-billion dollar cash infusion will help them cover their immediate financial burdens and kickstart economic activity. Outside experts are cautioning the administration to avoid unintended consequences. Those concerns are illustrated by the voice of Erica York, the Tax Foundation’s vice-president of tax policy. Secondly, they assert that these tariff refunds will actually have the opposite effect of relief, most likely increasing prices.
Moreover, Trump has announced a federal investigation into rising beef prices, which he argues contribute to the overall cost of living. Through this investigation, we hope to identify any unjust or predatory practices in the industry that are contributing to rising prices. With this new carveout, Trump has effectively made a deal with pharmaceutical manufacturers. This new agreement will make obesity medications significantly more affordable for uninsured people, marking an important step for health care affordability.
Trump’s overall economic plan includes a giant Big, Beautiful Bill spending plan. As a result of substantial advocacy and coalition-building, this legislation passed with bi-partisan support in July 2025. This tariff package would significantly increase revenue collected from tariffs. Next year, it should roll out a plan to raise tax rates on Americans in the same tax bracket. Economists are lukewarm on Trump’s $2,000 rebate plan. They are skeptical that tariff revenue would come close to covering the cost.
While Trump maintains that prices are decreasing, citing the cost of Thanksgiving meals at Walmart as evidence, he has downplayed concerns regarding the cost of living. He’s called concerns over increasing costs a “con job” set up by the Democrats. Inflation statistics tell a different story. Under Trump’s administration, inflation peaked at 3%, significantly lower than the 9.1% peak during President Joe Biden’s tenure.
The economic landscape will likely continue to be complex and contentious as Trump moves through these proposals and transitions them—and himself—into and through his anticipated 2024 campaign. Fixing the disconnect between Democratic leadership and public sentiment seems to be an important element of Trump’s strategy going forward. He does portray himself as a champion of affordability. This is especially important as millions of everyday Americans are shouldering the increasing burden of death by a thousand cuts of costs.