Warren calls Trump’s bluff on affordability after State of the Union

Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren is calling President Donald Trump 's bluff after he claimed to be "ending" the affordability crisis during his State of the Union address, opening a new front in the battle that could determine November's midterm elections. "Your claims are directly at odds with the day-to-day experiences of American households, who are struggling with rising costs of essentials, including food, housing, health care, child care, and electricity," Warren, D-Mass., wrote in a letter to Trump, which was shared exclusively with CNBC after being sent late Wednesday. "Despite your claims, you have not 'solved' affordability or 'defeated' inflation. Instead, over the past year, prices have skyrocketed for American households," Warren, the top Democrat on the Senate Banking Committee, wrote. Warren's letter is the launching point for a frontal assault on Trump and congressional Republicans ahead of the 2026 midterms, which could be decided over affordability. Trump's approval rating on the economy has plummeted as voters express concern about the high cost of living, a contrast with an economy he said was "roaring" during his State of the Union address . Now, Democrats are hoping to seize the opportunity to leverage affordability and kick Republicans out of power in Congress. Warren made clear the letter is only her first foray into knocking the president on affordability, as Democrats race around the country selling their economic message before November. Read more CNBC politics coverage State of the Union 2026 recap: Trump touted economic gains Epstein files: Trump sexual abuse claims withheld by DOJ Senators tell CFTC prediction market contracts need clear guidance Democrats seek to force refunds after Supreme Court blocks Trump tariffs Trump demands Netflix fire Susan Rice as DOJ probes Warner deal "Over the coming weeks, I will be writing to Administration officials, companies, and industry representatives directly about your chaotic tariffs and failed ...