President Donald Trump has doubled down on his message that the United States is entering a “golden age,” insisting that prices are easing and the economy is strengthening despite growing concerns among American households.
Eko Hot News reports that Trump delivered these remarks at the McDonald’s Impact Summit in Washington, speaking before political figures, franchise owners, and corporate executives. His message centred on economic optimism, even as national data paints a more complicated picture of the financial reality facing millions of Americans. Trump emphasised that affordability is improving and reiterated that inflation—once at its highest levels in more than four decades—has now moderated to what he described as a “normal” range. His comments framed the current moment as an unprecedented era of U.S. prosperity, asserting that the country is performing “better than we’ve ever done.”Despite Trump’s upbeat claims, the economic indicators that shape everyday life tell a different story. Inflation has indeed dropped significantly from its June 2022 peak of 9.1 per cent, the highest since 1981, but it remains stubbornly elevated above the Federal Reserve’s 2 per cent target. In September, inflation ticked up to 3 per cent, partly driven by tariffs that have increased operating costs for businesses—costs that are frequently passed on to consumers. As a result, many households continue to cut back on discretionary spending, tightening budgets around essential expenses such as groceries, rent, and transportation.
Eko Hot News reports that financial strain is also visible in the rising household debt across the United States. A recent Federal Reserve Bank of New York report shows that household debt reached its highest level on record in the third quarter of 2025. Mounting credit card balances, growing auto loan obligations, and persistent mortgage pressures have all contributed to this surge. The increasing debt burden has placed considerable pressure on middle- and lower-income families, many of whom are struggling to keep pace with the climbing cost of living.
Trump Declares ‘Golden Age’
In parallel, consumer sentiment—often regarded as a key indicator of economic confidence—has taken a sharp downturn. The University of Michigan’s preliminary Index of Consumer Sentiment for November posted a reading of 50.3, well below economists’ expectations and the lowest in more than three years. This figure is comparable to June 2022, at the height of inflation’s surge, when anxiety about rising prices dominated the national conversation. Today’s similarly low reading signals that many Americans continue to view the economy through a negative lens, worrying about job stability, wage growth, and long-term financial security.Yet, within the Trump administration, a strong sense of optimism remains about the year ahead. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has promised meaningful financial relief for Americans in 2026, calling it a potential “blockbuster” year. Eko Hot News reports that Bessent has pointed to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act as a major driver of forthcoming economic benefits. This legislation includes incentives for corporations to build factories in the United States—an effort aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing and creating new jobs. It also contains tax provisions designed to support working families, including relief for tipped employees, overtime earners, and retirees relying on Social Security income.
These measures, according to Bessent, will result in “big refunds” that serve as a financial cushion for households still recovering from years of economic turbulence. In addition, Bessent addressed speculation over a potential tariff rebate program, a proposal that Trump himself has floated. Under the concept described, families making under $100,000 annually could receive a one-time rebate of around $2,000. While details are still emerging, Bessent noted that such a rebate would function as a direct economic boost to millions of families who continue to face high costs across essential goods.
Still, whether these promises will translate into meaningful relief remains uncertain. While Trump projects confidence in a “golden age,” many Americans remain cautious, balancing hope for future improvements against the persistent challenges of inflation, rising debt, and wavering economic confidence. As the administration looks ahead to 2026, the nation navigates the tension between political optimism and the economic realities shaping everyday life.
