In this case, Donald Trump has drawn a very bright line in the sand. In retaliation, his opponents are regrouping to fight back against the administration’s broad economic agenda. That’s why a new organization named the Cost Coalition has just opened its doors. Indeed, its main goal is to underscore the harm that needs to be undone by Trump’s participating tariffs, which are widely seen as increasing everyday costs for American consumers.
The Cost Coalition’s goal is to amplify the real, rising costs of living that far too many Americans are feeling right now. Members of the coalition point to Trump’s tariffs as a main factor for increasing grocery prices. They view these tariffs as the largest working- and middle-class tax increase in recent history. The organization aims to reframe the discussion on how these economic policies undermine the livelihoods and quality of life of people in every corner of the state.
This is particularly pronounced in recent data, which found grocery prices up 0.5% in two of the last three months. On the whole, this has contributed to a 2.4% increase in all prices compared to this time last year. Economists and consumers alike are strained by these developments. They are under immense stress to balance their budgets while dealing with skyrocketing costs for basic needs.
Yet in the face of these shocking statistics, Trump has repeatedly downplayed serious inflation concerns. First, he had the audacity to proclaim there is “NO INFLATION.” He noted the decrease in grocery costs and egg prices, and touted gasoline prices falling to $1.98/gallon. Inflation statistics tell a different story. Inflation in the first quarter of this year was 3.6%, far exceeding the Federal Reserve’s target of 2%.
The Cost Coalition’s formation comes as a response to Trump’s vow on his first day in office to “end inflation.” Critics say that his economic policies are pushing the country in the other direction. Holt and Bates, representatives of the Cost Coalition, expressed their concerns, stating:
“In 100 days, Donald Trump put the best-performing economy in the world on a crash course toward recession. Trump’s tariffs — the biggest middle-class tax hike in modern history — are making everyday prices skyrocket and wreaking havoc for businesses large and small.”
The coalition’s mission is to build a broad base of support from everyday Americans who are feeling the squeeze from skyrocketing prices. They will advocate for policies that reduce the economic strain on families. They provide hands-on outreach that includes active engagement with local businesses and community leaders to build awareness. Their aim is to provoke conversations about more sustainable economic approaches focused on the long-term prosperity of the middle class.
Well, inflation came down in a pretty big way in March. More than ever, we need an understanding of what’s really happening to the health of our economy – in real time. While Trump touts successes and insists that prices are stabilizing, many Americans remain skeptical as they navigate higher costs for essential goods.
