Trump claims 'affordability' was made up by Democrats: 'First time I heard it'

MARIETTA, GEORGIA: President Donald Trump said on Wednesday, July 22, that he first heard the word "affordability" from Democrats, claiming they "made up" the term as he defended his administration's economic record during a campaign-style rally in Marietta, Georgia. 

The event, held at Wheeler High School, was billed around affordability, education and economic policies ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Trump also promoted his administration's newly launched Trump Accounts program and argued that prices are beginning to decline after what he described as inflation inherited from the Biden administration.

Donald Trump dismisses ‘affordability’ as Democratic talking point

While discussing the economy, Trump questioned the use of the word "affordability," saying he had not heard it until Democrats began using it. "They said, affordability! I said, I've been here one day. Don't worry, I'll take care of it, and we're taking care of it, you know? We're taking good care of it," Trump said.

He added that the term itself was political in nature. "It was a word, you know, made up by the Democrats, affordability."

Trump argued that prices had been falling under his administration while attributing higher costs to the previous administration. "So I just want you to remember that if you're paying a little bit more, a lot of it's come down now, we got it coming down very rapidly actually," he told supporters.

The president also pointed to declining egg prices as an example of easing costs, saying, "Affordability that's what they said. I said, don't worry, I'll take care of it." The rally came as Republicans seek to strengthen their position in Georgia ahead of the midterm elections, with several high-profile statewide races on the ballot.

Donald Trump promotes economic agenda and ‘Trump Accounts’

Alongside his remarks on the economy, Trump used the event to promote Trump Accounts, a tax-advantaged savings program that provides a federally funded $1,000 investment account for children born between 2025 and 2028.

"It's hot as a pistol," Trump said of the program. "The money is pouring in, and again it's for children, and all sorts of advantages and tax advantages for the people that do it and make this investment in our future."

The accounts, created through last year's tax and spending legislation, allow parents, relatives and employers to contribute up to $5,000 annually until the child reaches adulthood, when the funds can be used for purposes such as higher education, purchasing a home or starting a business.

"For decades, Washington politicians gave our children absolutely nothing but debt," Trump said. "But the Trump accounts, we're finally seeing and ensuring that every young American gets a great start in life and a really fair shot at the American dream, which is what we all want."

The Georgia visit marked Trump's latest stop in a key battleground state, where Republicans are seeking to maintain momentum heading into the November midterm elections while continuing to promote the administration's economic agenda.