Former President Donald Trump and his campaign partner, Senator JD Vance from Ohio, delivered speeches on August 14th to further outline their proposed remedies for the “affordability crisis” plaguing the United States.
At a rally in Asheville, North Carolina, Trump announced a specific goal. He pledged that if reelected, he would reduce energy costs by at least 50% within the first 12 to 18 months of his new term. Trump, who served as the 45th President from 2017 to 2020, stated that his administration would swiftly approve the construction of new energy infrastructure, unlock cooling technology, achieve energy independence, and secure energy dominance.
He also promised that on his first day back in the Oval Office, he would sign an executive order directing each cabinet member and agency head to use all tools and powers at their disposal to end inflation and rapidly lower consumer prices.
“We will address issues ranging from affordable cars, housing, insurance costs, supply chain problems, to prescription drug prices,” Trump said, expressing hope that the cabinet would show results within the first 100 days of the new administration.
Vance, speaking in Michigan, noted that while inflation rates have slightly decreased in recent months, grocery prices, housing costs, and gasoline prices remain unreasonably high. He pointed out that the latest data indicates inflation continues to be a problem, with grocery prices now 21% higher than in 2021.
“Many Americans… are becoming impoverished in their own country,” Vance, who came from humble beginnings and graduated from Yale Law School, said, emphasizing the potential bleak future for the younger generation if significant action is not taken.
Both Trump and Vance emphasized the importance of drilling for oil and natural gas, in stark contrast to the policies implemented by President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, who have advocated for solar and wind energy over fossil fuels and supported electric vehicles.
Vance criticized the policies of the Biden-Harris administration for driving fuel prices up, impacting the economy as natural gas is used to manufacture fertilizer for farmers who rely on diesel to operate tractors. These additional costs eventually burden consumers.
Highlighting an alternative approach, Vance stated that by fully utilizing the country’s abundant resources, particularly in the energy sector, food prices could be significantly reduced, benefiting American consumers.
During a speech at Cordes Inc., a family-owned trucking company, Vance spoke about policies like bringing manufacturing back to the U.S. as potential cost-reducing measures.
“We should keep the money in America, build in America, manufacture in America, buy in America. This will provide necessary wages for Americans, and it also means you don’t have to print a lot of money because printing money devalues our dollar,” Vance said, suggesting that these actions would help “make food affordable again” for the nation’s people.
Vance questioned why Vice President Harris did not take sufficient measures during her tenure to address inflation and other economic issues and criticized the lack of transparency in her recent activities.
Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers of Michigan encouraged supporters to mobilize voters, ensuring every voice is heard and every vote counted leading up to the November elections.
Rogers emphasized the importance of advocacy and activism for those in need, urging individuals to take a stand and participate in the electoral process to make a difference in their communities and the nation.