New Report Reveals How American Families Are Paying the Price for Trump’s Broken Promises

REPORT: Broken Promises, Real Costs: 11 Trump Lies That Are Hurting Americans

WASHINGTON, D.C. - As costs continue to skyrocket and President Trump shows no interest in addressing the needs of the American people, U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ranking Member of the Senate Budget Committee, today released a report documenting 11 failed promises Trump made to American families. For each failed promise, costs either went up or the promise was abandoned.

“Donald Trump is a con man. From his time on the campaign trail to present day, he continues to tell the American people lie after lie—promising lower costs and a more affordable America, while taking steps that drive-up costs and make life harder for everyone—except himself and his billionaire friends,” said Ranking Member Jeff Merkley.

“The proof couldn’t be clearer. Americans are paying the price for Trump's illegal war in Iran, for tariffs that have raised costs on businesses and consumers, and for an administration that has done nothing for families struggling to make ends meet. Democrats have taken several steps to end the war, lower costs, and invest in families—and Trump and Republicans have blocked every one. The American people cannot continue paying the high cost of Donald Trump’s actions,” Merkley concluded.

The report, published by Ranking Member Merkley’s Budget Committee staff, pairs each Trump promise against the actions he took afterward—actions that in every case made the problem worse. Examples include:

Costly Wars

Trump’s Promise:

• “I’m not going to start a war. I’m going to stop wars.” (Nov. 2024 victory speech, also repeated at an Oct. 2024 campaign rally)
• “We had peace through strength…You don’t have to send your kids out to war… I will not send you to fight and die in a foolish, never-ending foreign war.” (Remarks during State College, PA campaign rally on Oct. 26, 2024)

Trump’s Actions:

• Despite repeatedly promising that he would not start new wars, President Trump has initiated major military operations in Iran, Venezuela, Yemen, and the Caribbean during his second term.
• In September 2026, the Pentagon estimated that the war in Iran had cost roughly $43.6 billion to date—even though earlier in the year it had sought more than $200 billion in supplemental funding to cover the war, replenish depleted munitions, and prepare for continued operations.

Gas Prices

Trump’s Promise:

• “Energy is going to bring us back. That means we’re going down and getting gasoline below $2 a gallon, bring down the price of everything from electricity rates to groceries, airfares, and housing costs.” (Statement at Economic Club of New York on Sept. 5, 2024)

Trump’s Actions:

• As of September 23, 2026, the national average price of a gallon of gas was $4.47—50% higher than before the war in Iran began. Midwest and western states have seen the largest percentage increase, with 33 states seeing prices rise more than 50% between the start of the war and September 23, 2026. Among them: Oklahoma is up nearly 69%, Iowa is up almost 68%, Wisconsin has increased approximately 73%, and Kansas is up over 64%. As of that same date, six states—including Alaska, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington—had statewide averages above $5.00 per gallon.
• The Trump administration pushed to repeal requirements for cleaner, more efficient cars. This directly results in Americans having less options for fuel efficient vehicles, compounding the price at the pump. According to the Environmental Protection Agency’s own analysis, the repeal of these regulations is expected to cost Americans $180 billion.

Grocery Prices

Trump’s Promise:

• “A vote for Trump means your groceries will be cheaper.” (Statement at campaign rally in Pittsburgh, PA on Nov. 4, 2024)
• “We're going to get the prices down. We have to get them down. It's too much. Groceries, cars, everything. We're going to get the prices down.” (Statement during campaign rally in Uniondale, NY on Sept. 18, 2024)

Trump’s Actions:

• Overall food prices were 3.4% higher in August 2026 compared to August 2025.
• The prices for everyday grocery items went up over the last twelve months, including for fruits (3.8%), vegetables (2.6%), beef (5.9%), bread (3.8%), coffee (6.1%), and fish (6.5%).
• Overall food away from home—including meals at restaurants, take out, delivery, and vending machines—also rose by 3.4% over the last twelve months.

The full report, titled Broken Promises, Real Costs: 11 Trump Lies That Are Hurting Americans, is HERE.

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