Trump Vows to 'Drive Housing Prices Up' for Homeowners

Democrats slam president's comments as hurting affordability for first-time buyers

Jan. 29, 2026 at 8:07pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

President Trump said during a Cabinet meeting that he wants to 'drive housing prices up' for people who own their homes, arguing he doesn't want to 'destroy the value of their homes.' Several Democratic lawmakers criticized the president's remarks, saying they will make housing less affordable for first-time buyers.

Why it matters

Housing affordability has been a key issue, with home prices spiking in recent years and outpacing overall inflation. Trump's comments suggest he is more focused on protecting the wealth of existing homeowners than ensuring housing remains accessible for those trying to buy their first home.

The details

During the Cabinet meeting, Trump said: 'We're not going to destroy the value of their homes so that somebody that didn't work very hard can buy a home. I don't want to drive housing prices down. I want to drive housing prices up for people who own their homes. And they can be assured that's what's going to happen.' Several Democrats, including Sens. Tammy Duckworth and Reps. Jason Crow, Suzan DelBene, and Darren Soto, criticized the president's remarks, saying they will hurt housing affordability for first-time buyers.

  • On January 30, 2026, President Trump made the comments during a Cabinet meeting.

The players

President Donald Trump

The 45th president of the United States who made the controversial comments about wanting to drive up housing prices for homeowners.

Sen. Tammy Duckworth

A Democratic senator from Illinois who criticized Trump's remarks on social media, saying he wants to make housing less affordable for first-time buyers.

Rep. Jason Crow

A Democratic congressman from Colorado who also criticized Trump's comments on housing prices on social media.

Rep. Suzan DelBene

A Democratic congresswoman from Alabama who said Trump 'doesn't care about making your life more affordable' with his stance on housing prices.

Rep. Darren Soto

A Democratic congressman from Florida who said Trump's 'affordable housing plan is basically: Screw you.'

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Are you trying to buy your first home? Trump wants your prices to go up. But sure Donald, keep saying affordability is a hoax.”

— Sen. Tammy Duckworth, U.S. Senator (X)

“Millions of hardworking folks can't afford to buy—and the President's tariffs are making it even more expensive.”

— Rep. Jason Crow, U.S. Congressman (X)

“Millions of families are struggling to afford a roof over their heads & Trump's response is to increase the price of housing. He doesn't care about making your life more affordable.”

— Rep. Suzan DelBene, U.S. Congresswoman (X)

“Trump's affordable housing plan is basically: Screw you. This will float like a lead balloon in fast growing Central Florida.”

— Rep. Darren Soto, U.S. Congressman (X)

What’s next

The president's comments are likely to face further scrutiny and criticism from Democrats as the 2024 election cycle approaches, with housing affordability shaping up to be a key issue.

The takeaway

Trump's remarks highlight the political divide over housing policy, with Democrats accusing the president of prioritizing the interests of existing homeowners over the need to make homes more affordable for first-time buyers. This dispute is expected to be a major point of contention in the run-up to the 2024 presidential election.