President Trump’s trade war is taking a toll on his supporters, who are feeling the pinch of rising prices in shopping aisles. Long-haul truck driver Omar, who voted for Trump last fall, says tariffs are hurting everyone and increasing costs for essential goods like oil changes and tires.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a 2.4% inflation rate in May, slightly above economists’ expectations. However, many shoppers are not buying it, as 40% of Americans living paycheck to paycheck see their purchasing power dwindling. Retailers like Walmart, Dollar General, and Target have warned of price hikes due to tariffs, with some stores already raising prices.
Omar’s experience is not unique. A small air conditioner that cost $100 last year now costs $139 at his local Walmart store. Meanwhile, groceries and household goods have seen a 56% increase in prices over the past six years, according to a pricing study by Gordon Haskett.
The impact of tariffs on inflation is still debated among economists, but some warn that prices may rise further if the trade war continues. Moody’s chief economist Mark Zandi says inflation could reach 4% later this year depending on the outcome of tariff negotiations.
Source: https://nypost.com/2025/06/11/business/trump-voters-get-smacked-by-inflation-in-shopping-aisles-and-some-blame-tariffs