Everyday Costs Rise Under Second Trump Administration

From groceries to utilities, Americans feel the impact of the president's economic policies

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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It's been just over a year since President Donald Trump returned to the White House, and his administration's economic policies have had a significant impact on the everyday costs faced by Americans. Prices for consumer goods like eggs, milk, bread, produce, and meat have fluctuated, while utility costs for electricity and natural gas have risen sharply. The president's trade wars, deregulation, and other initiatives have contributed to these changes, which are being felt at the grocery store and gas pump nationwide.

Why it matters

The rising costs of basic necessities like food and energy are straining household budgets across the country, especially for low-income families. These economic shifts under the second Trump administration highlight the real-world impacts of the president's policy decisions and the tradeoffs between his agenda and the financial wellbeing of American consumers.

The details

Prices for many consumer goods have seen significant changes over the past year. Egg prices initially spiked due to an avian flu outbreak, but have since declined. Milk, bread, and produce like bananas and oranges have also seen price fluctuations, often tied to the administration's trade policies. Meat and poultry prices, particularly for ground beef, have risen sharply due to low domestic production. Utility costs have also climbed, with electricity and natural gas prices reaching new highs across the country, including in Chicago.

  • In March 2025, egg prices hit an all-time high of $6.23 per dozen.
  • In September 2025, the average price of bananas peaked at $0.67 per pound.
  • In November 2025, the Trump administration announced tariff exemptions for certain agricultural products, including bananas and oranges.

The players

President Donald Trump

The 45th and current president of the United States, who began his second term in January 2025.

Brooke Rollins

The U.S. Secretary of Agriculture under the second Trump administration.

ComEd

The primary electric utility serving the Chicago area, which recently received approval for a $243 million rate increase.

Peoples Gas

A natural gas utility serving the city of Chicago, which has sought rate increases upward of $200 million.

Nicor Gas

A natural gas utility serving suburban Chicago, which has also sought significant rate increases.

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What they’re saying

“We must do everything in our power to support American energy dominance and keep costs low for hardworking families.”

— President Donald Trump (White House press release)

What’s next

The Trump administration is expected to finalize new trade deals with several Latin American countries in the coming months, which could further impact the prices of imported produce like bananas and oranges.

The takeaway

The economic changes under the second Trump administration have had a tangible impact on the daily lives of Americans, with the rising costs of groceries, utilities, and other essentials straining household budgets. These shifts highlight the tradeoffs between the president's policy agenda and the financial wellbeing of consumers.