President Donald Trump told a campaign-style rally that consumer prices are falling tremendously as he sought to allay voter anxiety about the US cost of living.
In a speech at a casino in the battleground state of Pennsylvania, the president told supporters he had no higher priority than making America affordable again.
But while gas and egg prices have fallen, other food has become more expensive and Americans remain unhappy about the cost of housing, childcare, and healthcare.
Democrats have capitalized on Trump's vulnerability on the economy in recent state and city elections, leaving many Republicans uneasy about next year's midterm elections.
Tuesday's event was the first of a series aimed at delivering the White House's economic message to voters. However, at one point, Trump dismissed affordability concerns as a Democratic hoax.
Amid mixed economic data, some observers note that Trump's rhetoric does not resonate with the financial struggles of many Americans.
Economic data shows a drop in US consumer confidence to its lowest in months while the stock market remains near record highs. Inflation, although down from its peak, still lingers above the Federal Reserve's target, leaving many Americans like Alaina Hunt and Beth Richardson feeling the true effects of policy decisions.
Despite the economic optimism displayed by Trump, many Americans continue to struggle with daily expenses, resulting in a palpable disconnect between statistical reports and everyday realities.
