Trump calls affordability 'a Democrat scam' as inflation concerns persist nationwide

Group 1: Economic Conditions and Inflation - Inflation surged to 9.1% in June 2022, the highest level in 40 years, due to COVID-19-related supply chain disruptions and federal stimulus spending, but has gradually declined since then [2] - The consumer price index (CPI) showed inflation at 3% in January when Trump returned to office, declining to 2.3% in April, the lowest since March 2021, but rebounded to 3% in September [5] - The rebound in inflation coincided with the Trump administration's implementation of higher tariffs, leading to increased costs for U.S. importers, which were passed on to consumers [6] Group 2: Voter Sentiment and Economic Perception - A Fox News poll indicated that 76% of voters rated national economic conditions as "not so good" or "poor," with 60% rating their personal financial situations similarly [7] - A majority of 61% of voters disapprove of Trump's handling of the economy, with only 38% expressing approval; approval is significantly higher among Republicans at 77% compared to 25% of independents and 6% of Democrats [8] - Over half of respondents (52%) believe prices are "not at all" under control, with 85% reporting increased grocery costs over the past year [11] Group 3: Specific Cost Increases - Utility bills, healthcare costs, and housing costs have also seen significant increases, with at least two-thirds of respondents reporting higher costs in these categories [12] - Gas prices showed some relief, with only 54% of voters reporting price increases and 30% indicating their gas costs have decreased in the last year [13]