As we step into 2026, President Donald J. Trump’s America First initiative appears to be yielding significant benefits for American households, with gas prices nearing a five-year low and mortgage rates experiencing a notable decline. These price drops—stemming from the Trump Administration’s unyielding commitment to energy independence and housing accessibility—are effectively putting cash back into the hands of everyday Americans, making the elusive American Dream seem more achievable than in recent years.
Gas prices fall to their lowest levels in years—once more.
Gas prices have recently reached their lowest point since 2021, marking the seventh consecutive week of decline. According to GasBuddy, the average price for regular gasoline is under $3 per gallon in 43 states, dipping below $2.75 in 30 states, and reaching or falling below $2.50 in 17 states. Remarkably, some stations in at least 19 states are even offering gas for under $2 per gallon.
This newfound relief is translating to real savings for consumers: motorists are projected to spend $11 billion less on fuel in 2026 compared to the previous year, with the typical household saving hundreds of dollars annually, while overall gas expenditure as a share of disposable income has plummeted to its lowest level in twenty years.
Mortgage rates plummet to three-year lows.
The average interest rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage has dipped to its lowest point in nearly three years, decreasing by more than 1% over the past year, which has led to the lowest monthly housing payments in over two years. Concurrently, rents have declined for five consecutive months, providing essential relief for American families.
This progress directly reflects President Trump’s assertive push to revive the American Dream of homeownership—this includes initiating the purchase of $200 billion in mortgage-backed securities via Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to lower borrowing costs, as well as taking measures to prevent large institutional investors from monopolizing single-family homes, ensuring that more properties are accessible to ordinary Americans.
