It’s official. Donald Trump has failed to deliver on his central campaign promise to lower prices and bring down the cost of living for working families. New data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that inflation rose to 3.3% over the past year as the war in Iran fuels historic spikes in energy prices that continue to hammer American families’ wallets.
Gasoline prices surged 21.2% in a single month, which is the largest monthly increase in almost sixty years. Overall, energy costs climbed 10.9% in March alone.
For working families, the math is brutal. A household that drives two vehicles and uses fuel oil for heating could be facing hundreds of dollars in additional monthly costs. Low- and middle-income households are hit hardest. Families who commute long distances for work, live in rural areas with limited public transit options, or rely on fuel oil for home heating have no escape from these rising costs.
The numbers tell a painful story for the average household already struggling to make ends meet.
“Donald Trump’s MAGA agenda is taking real dollars out of real people’s hard-earned paychecks. His tariffs are taxing the average household over $1,000 this year, and his war of choice is a disaster, driving up the cost of energy, fertilizer, and more. Under Trump, people are paying more to get to work, to fill their fridges, and to just keep a roof over their heads. They’re being squeezed from every direction, and Republicans in Washington don’t care at all,” said American Bridge 21st Century spokesperson Brandon Weathersby. “The people who believed the Trump administration would make life more affordable for them deserve leaders who will actually work to bring these costs down, not explain them away or blame previous administrations. The urgency of this issue can be felt in homes all across the country. Every day that passes without action is another day families are choosing between filling the gas tank and putting food on the table.”
Published: Apr 10, 2026