Food prices in the United States have continued to rise during President Donald Trump’s second term, according to a Reuters analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data. The analysis tracked 26 grocery categories that Trump featured during a 2024 campaign event where he pledged to lower the cost of living. While the rate of increase is slower than during the same period of the Biden administration, prices for several key items have risen since 2025.
On August 15, 2024, then-candidate Trump held a press conference at his Bedminster, New Jersey, golf club, displaying grocery staples and blaming the Biden administration for high inflation. During the event, Trump stated that he would tame inflation and reduce costs for households. Two years later, affordability remains a primary concern for voters heading into the November midterm elections.
The BLS data shows that prices for the 26 categories featured in the Bedminster display rose 3.4% during the first 19 months of Trump's second term. While eggs, butter, and bacon saw price decreases, other staples saw significant increases. Uncooked beef prices rose 19.2%, coffee increased nearly 23%, apples went up 14%, and fresh fish and seafood rose 8.6%. A White House official stated that July data showed consumer prices barely increased from the previous month, citing it as evidence that the administration's agenda is delivering lower costs for some essentials like prescription drugs and dairy.
The economic climate has influenced voter sentiment in battleground regions like New Jersey's 7th Congressional District, where Republican incumbent Tom Kean faces Democratic challenger Rebecca Bennett. A Reuters/Ipsos poll found Trump's net approval rating on the cost of living stands at -47%, compared to -6% at the start of his term. Some Republican voters interviewed reported feeling disillusioned by high gasoline and grocery prices, which they attributed in part to the ongoing Iran war, while others stated they would maintain their party loyalty despite the costs.
The economic pressure is impacting the electoral landscape for federal workers, small-business owners, and other residents in swing districts. The Reuters/Ipsos polling indicates that for the first time in nearly a decade, voters give Democrats a slight edge over Republicans regarding economic stewardship. This shift in perception, combined with a 41-point drop in President Trump's approval rating on the cost of living, suggests that financial strain may influence turnout. Some registered Republicans have indicated they may sit out the upcoming elections, which could weaken the party's performance in closely contested House races.
Looking ahead, the Federal Reserve remains the primary institution responsible for addressing inflation, as presidential influence over these market forces is limited. Democratic candidates like Rebecca Bennett have proposed specific policy changes to address costs, including rolling back tariffs, seeking to end the Iran war, and restoring food stamp benefits that were previously cut. Voters will cast their ballots in the midterm elections this November, which will serve as a test of whether the administration's long-term agenda or the current cost of living carries more weight at the polls.
Explanation of terms: The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is a measure of the average change over time in the prices paid by urban consumers for a market basket of consumer goods and services. The Federal Reserve is the central banking system of the United States, which manages monetary policy to influence inflation and employment. Food stamps refer to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides food-purchasing assistance for low-income individuals.