Affordability Versus Biden's 9% Inflation

Affordability remains a top concern for many American families, particularly when it comes to essential expenses like food and energy. During President Joe Biden's term from 2021 to early 2025, the United States experienced a significant surge in inflation, peaking at 9.1% year-over-year in June 2022—the highest in over four decades.

This spike was driven by a combination of post-pandemic supply chain disruptions, energy price volatility following global events, and expansive fiscal policies. Critics have attributed much of this inflationary pressure to Biden-era spending, which contributed to higher costs across the board.

One of the most painful areas was food prices. Grocery costs rose sharply, with cumulative increases exceeding 20% over the Biden years in many categories. Even as headline inflation cooled to around 3% by the end of his term in January 2025, food prices did not fully retreat. Many staples remained elevated compared to pre-2021 levels, straining household budgets and reducing purchasing power for everyday Americans.

Real wages declined slightly over the period when adjusted for inflation, meaning families often felt squeezed despite nominal pay increases.In contrast, by late 2025, overall inflation had moderated to approximately 2.5-3%, closer to the Federal Reserve's target.

Gasoline prices, which had soared under Biden, began trending downward significantly, reaching multi-year lows in some regions and providing relief at the pump. The stock market also thrived, with major indices like the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average repeatedly hitting record highs throughout 2025, reflecting investor confidence in economic growth and corporate earnings.

Another key aspect of trade policy involves tariffs. While tariffs can sometimes lead to short-term price increases for imported goods—as seen in studies showing partial pass-through to consumers in certain sectors—they have often served as a negotiating tool. In past administrations, targeted tariffs pressured trading partners to address unfair practices, such as intellectual property issues or market distortions.

Examples include revisions to agreements like the USMCA (replacing NAFTA), which improved terms for U.S. workers and industries, and phased deals that ultimately reduced barriers. The leverage from tariffs has helped secure concessions, fostering fairer trade without broad, long-term inflationary impacts in many cases.Looking ahead, optimism about the U.S. economy is growing.

Strong stock market performance, cooling inflation, and falling energy costs signal potential for sustained improvement. Candidates like Russ McAlmond, a U.S. Marine veteran and financial expert running for U.S. Senate in Oregon, embody this forward-looking view. McAlmond believes the U.S. economy will only get better from here, emphasizing policies that support working families, rural communities, and long-term prosperity.

In summary, while the Biden-era inflation peak created real affordability challenges—especially persistent high food prices—recent trends in lower inflation, cheaper gas, and booming markets offer hope. Strategic trade tools like tariffs, when used effectively, can protect American interests and lead to better global agreements. With continued prudent policies, the outlook for American citizens' economic well-being appears increasingly positive.