When Donald Trump promised to turn around the economy on Day 1 of his second term, many Americans had high hopes for quick relief. Yet, nearly 100 days later, most of them are still waiting for things to get better. For many, the reality of higher costs, job uncertainty, and ongoing economic struggles has made life harder, not easier.
Take Traci Dixon, for example. A certified nursing assistant from Independence, Missouri, she’s worked hard for over 20 years but says life has never felt tougher. Despite Trump’s promises to reduce costs and raise wages, Dixon feels things are only getting worse. She struggles to pay bills, especially as gas prices and rent continue to rise. “Living nowadays is just hard,” she says. “Things were a struggle 20 years ago, but it was easier.”
The Promised Economic Fix That Didn’t Arrive
During his campaign, Trump assured voters that he would lower gas prices, cut food costs, and drive inflation down quickly. He even promised that gas would drop to below $2 per gallon. But here we are in 2025, and the national gas price still hovers around $3.22 per gallon, far from the $2 target. While inflation has slowed slightly, it’s still hard to ignore the rising prices for food, gas, and everyday expenses.
Many of Trump’s supporters, like James McMorrow from Massachusetts, still believe things are moving in the right direction. McMorrow, a two-time Trump voter, has seen his own life improve with a better job and lower gas prices. However, he admits that not everything is going smoothly. Like others, he’s saddened by the ongoing deportations of immigrant workers who contribute to his local economy.
Tariffs and Uncertainty: The Bigger Picture
One of Trump’s key strategies has been imposing tariffs on foreign goods, with the goal of boosting American manufacturing. While some companies have pledged to invest in U.S. factories, the reality is that tariffs have caused price hikes for everyday items. According to the Yale Budget Lab, households will pay an extra $3,800 this year due to these tariffs. This means higher costs for groceries, clothing, and even housing.
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The uncertainty created by these policies has also caused the stock market to bounce up and down, affecting the savings of everyday Americans. Experts warn that these kinds of economic changes take time to stabilize, but for many, that doesn’t offer much comfort when they’re struggling to keep up with rising prices.
The Hard Truth for Working Americans
For people like Dixon, working full-time doesn’t feel like enough. Despite both she and her wife having jobs, they still can’t make ends meet. With prices rising and wages staying the same, life feels like a constant battle. “We’re blessed to have the jobs we have, but a lot of places don’t give raises,” she says. The situation is even worse for many Americans who are relying on credit cards, loans, or “buy now, pay later” services to keep up with their bills.
Is It All Worth It?
As Trump’s economic plans continue to unfold, it’s clear that not everyone is seeing the promised benefits. While some businesses may benefit from his policies, the average American is still feeling the pain. With rising debt, a slowing economy, and fears of a recession, many are wondering when they’ll finally see the changes Trump promised.
In the end, Trump’s supporters may still have hope for the future, but for millions of Americans, the wait for economic relief seems endless. As the country faces rising costs and growing financial uncertainty, many are left questioning whether these changes will ever materialize—or if they were simply empty promises.
