6 Bills That Have Gone Up and Down Since Trump Took Office
Written by
Tobi Opeyemi Amure
Edited by
Rebekah Evans
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President Donald Trump assured Americans they would “win” on daily prices and affordability when he returned to the White House in January 2025. And while certain costs have dropped, others have risen despite lower inflation.
While not every bill advancing under the president’s second term is directly related to economic policy, consumers still feel the monthly impact on these six big areas. As rent, electricity, digital services and medical expenditures strain wages, gasoline and credit card interest have offered some breathing space. Here’s a look at six bills that have gone up and down since Trump took office.
Everyday Energy and Utility Bills
Energy prices are one of the easiest ways for Americans to see changes on their bill. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) Consumer Price Index, energy costs are marginally higher than a year ago, but specifics matter. Gasoline has dropped as natural gas and electricity have risen in the past year, reducing pump prices.
The report says home power rates are up 5% year over year, adding a few dollars to monthly bills. Since natural gas service has increased by double digits, homeowners who heat or cook with gas have higher bills. Fill-ups are cheaper even if electricity prices have increased, since the gasoline index is somewhat lower than a year ago.
Gas at the Pump
Gas costs were a major issue in Trump’s 2024 campaign and remain so today. The White House claimed that Americans would pay the lowest proportion of disposable income on petrol in two decades, benefiting from driving. Falling energy prices, notably lower gasoline prices, have countered inflation hikes in other categories, according to the New York Times.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows the gasoline index significantly below last year’s level, indicating lower pump prices. Trading Economics‘ U.S. inflation summary shows energy prices up marginally but gasoline down 0.5% year over year. Smaller gas prices may balance increased rent and grocery costs for regular drivers.
Rent and Shelter Costs
Rent and housing costs are rising, straining family budgets. The BLS estimates that the shelter index, which includes rent and owners’ equivalent rent, rose over 3% last year. That rate implies 2025 lease renewals are still experiencing rises, but fewer than during peak inflation.
The Hill reported that housing remains one of the most intractable inflation drivers despite price growth moderating. Shelter prices remain a major economic issue for Americans, particularly in high-demand urban regions with low vacancy rates, according to that article. Under Trump’s second term, rent has increased for many households, even as other monthly bills have decreased.
Credit Card and Debt Payments
Since Trump took office, Federal Reserve policy has changed borrowing costs. For all accounts, the Fed’s G.19 consumer credit report shows commercial bank credit card interest rates near 21%. Monthly card bills are expensive if you carry a balance because that level is just below recent record highs, but still high.
Federal Reserve data shows higher rates on credit card accounts that accrue interest, around 23%. Average APRs have dropped slightly from 2024 peaks as rate cuts slowly spread, according to LendingTree. Many cardholders have seen interest charges decrease under Trump, but revolving balances remain expensive to finance.
Medical and Insurance Bills
Medical and insurance bills have quietly risen since President Trump took office again, even as other costs like gas have eased. BLS data medical care prices climbed about 3.3% over the past year, covering everything from doctor visits to hospital services. This means co-pays, out-of-pocket charges and some insurance premiums have gone up for many Americans, though the pace varies by plan and provider.
The Hill reported that medical costs, while not rising as fast as during the early 2020s, remain a persistent drag on household finances. For people with chronic conditions, even small annual increases can add up to higher recurring bills for prescriptions and specialist care. These steady increases undermine some of the relief families feel from lower prices in other areas.
Streaming, Subscriptions and Phone Bills
Over the last year, many major streaming platforms and digital services have raised prices, making entertainment subscriptions more expensive than in 2024. According to the Los Angeles Times, U.S. consumers now pay an average of $70 per month on streaming services, up $22 from a year ago as major platforms increase fees.
Wireless phone costs are uneven, with strong promotions countered by growing fees and taxes in certain areas. Switching carriers may lower monthly expenses for some, while add-ons and plan adjustments raise them for others, according to industry reports. Even while core inflation is lower, communications and streaming expenses have increased for many families since Trump took office.
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