JD Vance says Democrats talk affordability but ignore their alleged role in rising costs

ALLENTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA: Vice President JD Vance said he was ‘surprised’ to hear Democrats speak about affordability, arguing that rising costs faced by American families were the result of policies enacted under the Biden administration.

Speaking to supporters at a manufacturing facility in Allentown on Tuesday, December 16, Vance said that Democrats frequently acknowledged that prices for housing, prescription d**gs, and everyday goods have climbed, but failed to take responsibility for the inflationary pressures that drove those increases.

"I’m a little surprised by when the Democrats talk all the time about affordability," Vance said. "They say things aren’t affordable, and they’re right, and it was because of them."

JD Vance highlights wage growth and jobs data

The vice president pointed to recent employment figures as signs of economic stabilization, saying job growth and wage increases showed progress even if relief was not yet fully felt by households.

Vance said private-sector wages were growing at a rate of 4.2 percent, calling it among the fastest in years.

"That means we’re seeing real momentum in the private sector," he said.

Government data released earlier on Tuesday showed that employment declined by more than 100,000 jobs in October before rebounding partially in November.

NBC News reported that average hourly earnings rose by 0.1 percent in November, with wages up 3.5 percent over the past year.

JD Vance claims that relief 'takes a lot of work'

Vance told attendees that while the administration was focused on lowering costs, Americans should not expect immediate results.

"It’s going to take a little bit of time where people really feel like that money has been put back in their pocket," he said. "That just takes a lot of work."

He blamed inflation during the previous administration for reducing household buying power and said that restoring it would require sustained economic policy changes.

Energy policy tied to grocery prices

Vance emphasized energy production as a key factor in lowering consumer costs, linking fuel prices directly to food inflation.

"You’ve got to lower costs," he said. "That’s why we’re lowering regulations on American energy to get gas and groceries down."

He added that transportation costs play a major role in food prices.

"If the truck that takes groceries to the store is paying out the wazoo for diesel fuel, every American is paying more," Vance said.

Affordability remains a political battleground

Vance’s remarks echoed earlier statements made by President Donald Trump and senior administration officials who have accused Democrats of using affordability as a political talking point.

During a Cabinet meeting earlier this month, Trump described affordability messaging as misleading and said his administration was focused on reversing inflation without triggering deflation.

Vance previously said Republicans were "fixing what they’ve broken," arguing that household income declined under Biden and improved after Trump returned to office.

Democrats push competing narrative

Democratic leaders have continued to center affordability in their messaging, arguing that costs remain high despite Republican promises.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer have accused Republicans of failing to deliver cost relief, while Democratic governors and mayors have highlighted affordability-focused campaign wins in recent elections.

Vance acknowledged that Americans are still feeling pressure but said sustained investment and policy consistency would lead to improvement.

"Rome wasn’t built in a day," he said. "If we keep making the right decisions and investing in the United States, Americans will be able to afford a good life again."