In a recent social media post, former President Donald Trump made a bold declaration, naming himself the 'affordability president.' This statement was part of a broader online rant where he attempted to counter widespread economic worries and position his actions as a key advantage for Republicans in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections.
The Fuzzy Math of Drug Price Claims
Trump used his Truth Social platform to make an extraordinary claim about falling drug prices. He asserted that because he invoked 'favored nations status' for the U.S., drug prices are falling at 'levels never seen before,' specifically citing reductions of 500%, 600%, and 700%. This is not the first time he has employed such percentages; in July, he claimed he would cut prescription drug costs by 1,500%.
Economic experts and fact-checking organizations have repeatedly pointed out that this mathematical approach is fundamentally flawed. A price cut exceeding 100% would theoretically mean that a company is paying the customer to take the product, a scenario that is not occurring in the pharmaceutical market.
Political Posturing and Midterm Ambitions
Trump's post went beyond economic claims, directly tying his efforts to the political fortunes of the Republican party. He framed his actions as a 'revolution in medicine' and insisted that if the 'story is properly told,' Republicans should win the 2026 midterm elections in 'record numbers.' He urged his supporters to 'talk loudly and proudly' about these purported achievements.
This post follows significant Democratic victories in key elections earlier this month, where affordability was a central campaign issue. In reaction to those losses, Trump deflected blame, citing the recent government shutdown and arguing that Democrats only won because 'Trump wasn't on the ballot.'
Shifting Stance and Republican Concerns
The former president's focus on affordability marks a recent shift in his rhetoric. He has previously referred to the term as a 'new word' and has repeatedly insisted that overall costs have decreased during his second term. A major point of frustration for Trump, which he voiced this month, is his belief that Republicans are not adequately promoting his claimed victories on lowering costs, while Democrats 'lie about it.'
This internal pressure is reflected in concerns from other prominent conservatives. Former Fox News host Bill O'Reilly recently warned GOP leadership that they 'better get something going,' while his ex-colleague Laura Ingraham stated that the 2026 midterms 'look ugly' for Republicans, highlighting the growing anxiety within the party about the potent issue of economic affordability.
