onlyTrustedInfo.comonlyTrustedInfo.comonlyTrustedInfo.com
Notification
Font ResizerAa
  • News
  • Finance
  • Sports
  • Life
  • Entertainment
  • Tech
Reading: 4 Red Flags for the Middle Class After Trump’s First 100 Days
Share
onlyTrustedInfo.comonlyTrustedInfo.com
Font ResizerAa
  • News
  • Finance
  • Sports
  • Life
  • Entertainment
  • Tech
Search
  • News
  • Finance
  • Sports
  • Life
  • Entertainment
  • Tech
  • Advertise
  • Advertise
© 2025 OnlyTrustedInfo.com . All Rights Reserved.
Finance

4 Red Flags for the Middle Class After Trump’s First 100 Days

Last updated: May 14, 2025 8:00 pm
Oliver James
Share
6 Min Read
4 Red Flags for the Middle Class After Trump’s First 100 Days
SHARE

Middle-class Americans are already feeling the early tremors of economic change after the first 100 days of President Donald Trump’s second term.

Contents
Everyday Prices IncreaseShrinking Job MarketsDining Out Costs MoreSupply Chain Shortages

Be Aware: Trump Isn’t Ruling Out a Recession This Year — What Could That Mean for Your Wallet?

Find Out: How Middle-Class Earners Are Quietly Becoming Millionaires — and How You Can, Too

From rising prices at the grocery store to the threat of shrinking job opportunities in key industries, warning signs are emerging that could squeeze household budgets and long-term financial stability.

Here are four red flags for the middle class after Trump’s first 100 days.

Trending Now: Suze Orman’s Secret to a Wealthy Retirement–Have You Made This Money Move?

Everyday Prices Increase

In the first 100 days of Trump’s return, price hikes are hitting middle-class households in subtle but significant ways. From groceries to gas, everyday essentials are climbing faster than wages and squeezing budgets already stretched thin.

“Tariffs are inflationary, so American consumers need to watch their expenses carefully, especially in the areas of consumer goods,” said Mayra Rodriguez Valladares, managing principal at MRV Associates. “We are a huge importer of Asian toys, for example, and those are rising in price.”

She also explained that, with inflation remaining elevated as an effect of the tariffs, interest rates on loans, credit cards and mortgages will also remain high.

In addition, Valladares said the “erratic nature of the president’s policies” worsens the problem.

“If individuals and businesses knew significantly in advance what the tariff policies are, they could plan for the future,” Valladares said. “Uncertainty and volatility make it very difficult for consumers or businesses to figure out how to budget for tariffs.”

Learn More: Trump Wants To Replace Income Taxes With Tariffs: 2 Impacts on the Middle Class

Shrinking Job Markets

Industries like construction, agriculture and retail are vulnerable, because they rely heavily on imported materials and goods.

“You might see businesses cutting back, which could lead to fewer jobs or reduced hours in manufacturing, construction and retail,” said George Carrillo, CEO of the Hispanic Construction Council (HCC).

These slowdowns hit hardest in regions where local economies depend on vulnerable sectors and lead to fewer opportunities and greater financial insecurity.

“States in the Midwest and South that depend on manufacturing and farming are expected to bear the brunt of these economic policies,” Carrillo said. “The Pacific Northwest is also likely to struggle as major companies, like Nike, Adidas and Colombia Sportswear, headquartered in the region face rising costs and potential disruptions.”

Carrillo added, “It’s a tough spot for workers and businesses in these areas as they face rising costs and shrinking margins.”

Dining Out Costs More

Rising tariffs are quietly driving up the cost of dining out, making restaurant meals less affordable for middle-class families. As ingredient prices climb, many restaurants are passing those increases on to customers and turning even casual meals into budget concerns.

According to the food blog Eat This, Not That, here’s why middle-class diners could see price hikes on some of their favorite menu items.

  • Guacamole and avocado-based dishes: 90% of avocados consumed in the U.S. come from Mexico.

  • Salsa and tomato-based sauces: The U.S. relies on Mexico for tomatoes.

  • Fresh salads: Imported produce from Mexico and Canada.

  • Imported beer and alcohol: Many popular beers come from Mexico.

  • Beef and meat-centric dishes: The U.S. imports a portion of its beef from Canada.

Supply Chain Shortages

Supply chain issues are worsening under Trump’s trade policies, causing periodic shortages of essential products.

Electronics, certain food items and auto parts are becoming harder to find, and these gaps in availability can raise prices even further. These disruptions not only frustrate consumers but also create instability for retailers and manufacturers already coping with higher costs.

Carrillo said the ripple effects of supply chain shortages can add stress to households and increase the likelihood that consumers will rely on credit cards to cover rising expenses.

“This can create long-term financial problems if interest starts piling up,” Carrillo said. “To manage these challenges, focus on sticking to a budget, look for savings through coupons and bulk purchases, and explore ways to bring in extra income or build new skills.”

Editor’s note on political coverage: GOBankingRates is nonpartisan and strives to cover all aspects of the economy objectively and present balanced reports on politically focused finance stories. You can find more coverage of this topic on GOBankingRates.com.

More From GOBankingRates

  • Surprising Items People Are Stocking Up On Before Tariff Pains Hit: Is It Smart?

  • 5 Things You Must Do When Your Savings Reach $50,000

  • 5 Little-Known Ways to Make Summer Travel More Affordable

  • 7 Wealth-Building Shortcuts Proven To Add $1K to Your Wallet This Month

Sources

  • Bureau of Economic Analysis, Gross Domestic Product, 1st Quarter 2025 (Advanced Estimate)

  • Mayra Rodriguez Valladares, MRV Associates

  • George Carrillo, Hispanic Construction Council

  • Eat This, Not That, “10 Menu Items Getting More Expensive as New Tariffs Start.”

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 4 Red Flags for the Middle Class After Trump’s First 100 Days

You Might Also Like

Should I invest all my retirement savings in US treasuries for guaranteed returns over the next 15 years?

I Made Over $17K in a Year With These Banking Hacks: Here’s How It Works

2 Artificial Intelligence (AI) Stocks That Could Be Poised for a Big Second-Half Comeback

6 Ways a Personal Loan Can Help Millennials Boost Credit Scores

Think Nvidia Is Expensive? These 3 Charts Might Change Your Mind.

Share This Article
Facebook X Copy Link Print
Share
Previous Article Tomatoes Recalled For Potentially Deadly Salmonella Contamination In 11 States Tomatoes Recalled For Potentially Deadly Salmonella Contamination In 11 States
Next Article Bride Wants Groom’s Sister to Be a Bridesmaid — but Only If She Hides Her Tattoos and Doesn’t Wear Her Glasses Bride Wants Groom’s Sister to Be a Bridesmaid — but Only If She Hides Her Tattoos and Doesn’t Wear Her Glasses

Latest News

Steelers announce Ben Roethlisberger, Joey Porter, Maurkice Pouncey to join Hall of Honor
Steelers announce Ben Roethlisberger, Joey Porter, Maurkice Pouncey to join Hall of Honor
Sports July 28, 2025
Phillies’ Nick Castellanos out of Saturday’s lineup vs. Yankees with left knee injury
Phillies’ Nick Castellanos out of Saturday’s lineup vs. Yankees with left knee injury
Sports July 28, 2025
2025 Tour de France standings going into final stage, with Tadej Pogačar set to win 2nd consecutive trophy
2025 Tour de France standings going into final stage, with Tadej Pogačar set to win 2nd consecutive trophy
Sports July 28, 2025
2025 MLB betting: Nick Kurtz now a massive favorite to win AL Rookie of the Year
2025 MLB betting: Nick Kurtz now a massive favorite to win AL Rookie of the Year
Sports July 28, 2025
//
  • About Us
  • Contact US
  • Privacy Policy
onlyTrustedInfo.comonlyTrustedInfo.com
© 2025 OnlyTrustedInfo.com . All Rights Reserved.