Donald Trump Says Higher Home Prices Are the Goal and First Time Buyers Are Paying the Price [Video]

Donald Trump said the quiet part out loud this week, making it clear that rising home prices are not a side effect of his agenda but the point.

Video

During a Cabinet meeting, Trump tried to calm existing homeowners who may fear that affordability efforts could cut into their property values. His message was blunt and it landed hard.

“Existing housing, people that own their homes, we’re gonna keep them wealthy,” Trump said. “We’re gonna keep those prices up. We’re not gonna destroy the value of their homes so that somebody that didn’t work very hard can buy a home.”

Trump argued that his administration would push to lower interest rates and make buying easier. Still, he made clear that cheaper homes are not the goal.

“I don’t want to drive housing prices down,” he said. “I want to drive housing prices up for people that own their homes, and they can be assured that’s what’s going to happen.”

Those comments set off immediate backlash from Democratic lawmakers and online critics who say the stance ignores younger Americans locked out of the market.

“Are you trying to buy your first home? Trump wants your prices to go up,” Sen. Tammy Duckworth wrote. “But sure, Donald, keep saying affordability is a hoax.”

Rep. Suzan DelBene said Trump was showing little concern for working families struggling with everyday costs.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer was even sharper, saying Trump’s focus remains on enriching those already ahead.

“He’s giving the middle finger to our youngest generation,” Schumer said.

For many first-time buyers, that message sounded less like reassurance and more like a warning.