WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump on Dec 2 downplayed the cost-of-living pains being felt by Americans, declaring that “affordability doesn’t mean anything to anybody” as his political edge on the economy continues to dissipate.

In remarks during a Cabinet meeting, Mr Trump railed against Democrats who have championed the issue, which helped the party secure several off-year election victories last month and is likely to be a defining topic in the midterms in 2025.