Trump's approach closely resembles Biden's, and both are dealing with criticism over rising inflation

Trump's administration is increasingly adopting tactics similar to those used by Joe Biden to tackle inflation, with both leaders facing backlash for minimizing concerns about rising prices while enacting measures that many economists say drive up costs for everyday Americans. These similarities have attracted attention from experts, who point out that

and Biden's initial dismissal of inflationary threats have resulted in comparable political hurdles.

After Trump introduced broad tariffs, consumer prices climbed from a 2.3% yearly increase in April 2024 to 3% by September, a development that

, attributed to "unpredictable policies" that shifted the blame for higher prices onto overseas suppliers. In response, Trump has recently reduced tariffs on imports such as coffee, beef, and bananas in an effort to ease grocery bills, a notable shift from his previous "drill baby drill" stance . This policy change comes amid mounting public anger over food prices, in recent campaigns.

The administration's inflation response goes beyond tariffs. Trump has floated the idea of giving Americans $2,000 checks funded by tariff revenue, though economists caution that this plan is not financially viable given the size of the national debt and the fact that many tariff-related costs have already been absorbed by consumers

. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has suggested other possible uses for these funds, but the administration has yet to provide details .

Trump's actions have also rolled back some consumer protections introduced under Biden. The Department of Transportation recently eliminated a rule that would have required airlines to compensate travelers for delays, a Biden-era measure that critics said would have encouraged better punctuality

. This move is part of a broader push to reduce regulations, including overturning Biden's ban on drilling in Alaska's National Petroleum Reserve, a decision environmental advocates warn could harm sensitive habitats .

Although Trump promotes his policies as drivers of job growth, opponents point to unintended side effects. For example, his large-scale deportation proposals have been associated with increased construction expenses due to a shrinking workforce in sectors that rely heavily on immigrants

. Likewise, the Trump Organization's record request for 184 foreign workers in 2025 highlights a contradiction between the administration's stance on reducing foreign labor and its own hiring practices.

The administration's inconsistent approach has drawn parallels to Biden's early days in office, when officials downplayed inflation even as prices surged. Michael Strain, who leads economic policy studies at the American Enterprise Institute, observed that both presidents have "minimized inflation as an issue" while focusing on other economic metrics

. This trend has produced similar public dissatisfaction: 67% of American adults disapprove of Trump's economic management, echoing the criticism Biden faced over inflation during his first term . For now, the administration continues to juggle political messaging with the ongoing challenges of a persistent cost-of-living crisis.