CBS–YouGov Poll: Most Americans Say Trump Hasn’t Done Enough on Prices as White House Affordability Message Falters

📌 Key Facts

President Trump told reporters in the White House briefing room that his affordability message has a "public relations" problem and said, "we're not getting it across."
Trump plans to deliver an affordability-focused speech from Davos; Axios flagged the awkward optics of pitching relief to struggling Americans from an elite summit of billionaires.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, speaking in Davos about banning institutional single-family home purchases, referenced retirees owning "10 or 12 homes," a comment critics called tone-deaf.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins promoted the idea of a $3 meal (described as chicken, broccoli, a tortilla and "one other thing") as part of the White House affordability messaging.
Rollins later clarified her remarks after an internal simulation estimated three such $3 meals would cost about $15.64 per day (~$460 per month), compared with average SNAP benefits of about $300 per month under current restrictions.

Many Trump supporters on X argue that the poll underestimates his economic achievements, emphasizing long-term benefits from tax cuts and deregulation that will eventually curb inflation despite current challenges.
Critics, including independents, highlight Trump's focus on overseas events as a distraction from domestic inflation, suggesting that prioritizing border security over price controls alienates voters struggling with rising costs.
Some users point out the political paradox where voters distrust Trump's inflation handling but still favor Republicans on economic issues, attributing this to lingering perceptions of Democratic fiscal irresponsibility.
Younger adults on X express frustration with Trump's economic policies, noting that stagnant wages and high prices are eroding their support, potentially shifting future voting patterns toward more progressive solutions.
Advocates for an independent Federal Reserve use the poll to underscore public support for central bank autonomy, warning that Trump's clashes with the Fed could undermine efforts to stabilize inflation and economic growth.

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January 21, 2026

10:00 AM

Axios by Madison Mills

New information:

Trump told reporters in the White House briefing room that his affordability message has a 'public relations' problem and said 'we're not getting it across.'
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, speaking in Davos about banning institutional single‑family home purchases, referenced retirees owning '10 or 12 homes,' a tone‑deaf contrast that has drawn criticism.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins promoted the idea of a $3 meal (chicken, broccoli, tortilla and 'one other thing'), later clarifying her remarks after an internal simulation put three such meals at about $15.64 a day (~$460 per month), compared with average SNAP benefits of about $300 a month under current restrictions.
Axios highlights that Trump plans to deliver an affordability‑focused speech from Davos, underscoring the optics of pitching relief to struggling Americans from an elite summit of billionaires.

January 18, 2026

1:34 PM

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