President Donald Trump has introduced several economic proposals aimed at addressing affordability issues in the United States, including a controversial 50-year mortgage and $2,000 rebate checks funded by tariff revenue. These proposals have drawn skepticism from economists and analysts regarding their feasibility and potential impact on the economy.

The proposed 50-year mortgage, shared by Trump on his social media platform Truth Social, aims to improve housing affordability by lowering monthly payments for homebuyers. However, experts warn that such a long repayment term could result in nearly double the interest payments compared to traditional 30-year mortgages. Joel Berner, a senior economist at Realtor.com, noted that while the proposal could stimulate the housing market, it might inadvertently raise home prices, exacerbating existing affordability challenges.

In parallel, Trump announced plans to distribute $2,000 rebate checks to Americans, which he likened to COVID-19 stimulus payments. However, the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget estimates that this initiative could cost $600 billion annually, significantly exceeding the projected $300 billion in revenue from new tariffs. This discrepancy raises concerns about the sustainability of the proposal, especially in light of ongoing legal challenges to the tariffs themselves.

The Supreme Court is currently deliberating on the legality of Trump's tariffs, which he claims are essential for national security and have spurred corporate investments in U.S. manufacturing. However, justices have expressed skepticism about the administration's justification for these tariffs, with potential rulings that could require the government to return nearly $90 billion in collected tariffs, undermining the rebate plan.

Amid these developments, Trump has faced criticism for his economic messaging, particularly regarding rising costs. During a recent press conference, he inaccurately claimed that gas prices were "almost $2" per gallon, while the national average remains above $3. This inconsistency highlights broader inflationary pressures affecting essential goods, with many Americans reporting increased expenses for food and housing.

The ongoing affordability crisis, characterized by rising costs in housing, child care, and groceries, has become a focal point in political discourse. Trump's dismissal of these concerns as a "con job by the Democrats" contrasts sharply with the lived experiences of many working-class families, who are increasingly burdened by financial stress. As the Supreme Court prepares to issue a ruling on the tariffs, there is a growing call for comprehensive policy solutions to address the underlying economic challenges faced by Americans.