How the Trump Presidency is Impacting Arkansans

Expectation

vs.

Reality

Trump promised Arkansans a “golden age.” Instead, he delivered skyrocketing costs, lost health care, and an economy in the gutter. Here’s what his broken promises actually look like.

140K
Lost Health Care
130K
Lost Food Benefits
+0.5%
Unemployment Rise
$1,320
Per Family Cost Increase

Trump Lied to Arkansans.
The Numbers Don’t.

During his 2025 address to Congress, Trump made promise after promise to working families. Thirteen months later, Arkansans are paying more for less — while Trump throws gilded parties for his billionaire donors. Tonight, he’ll try to do it again. Don’t be fooled.



Expectation

“I’ll lower costs on Day One”

Trump’s central promise to working families — that he would immediately bring down the cost of living.

Reality

$1,320

More per Arkansas household each year from Trump’s Big Ugly Bill and reckless tariffs

Arkansas families have already lost $259 to Trump-era inflation in just the first eight months. On top of that, his tariffs and the Republican reconciliation bill will cost Arkansans an additional $1,320 per household annually. Prices are skyrocketing — not falling.

Sources: Joint Economic Committee Democrats, 11/13/25 · Yale Budget Lab · Census Bureau



Expectation

“Everyone will be covered. I’m going to take care of everybody”

Trump repeatedly promised better, cheaper health care for all Americans — including protecting coverage for those with pre-existing conditions.

Reality

140,000

Arkansans kicked off their health care coverage

Trump and Republicans’ Big Ugly Bill stripped coverage from 140,000 Arkansans. Meanwhile, 143,734 marketplace enrollees are at risk of losing enhanced ACA tax credits — and if they expire, Arkansas families face a 270% premium increase, averaging $1,199 more per year.

Sources: KFF · KFF, 11/24/25



Expectation

“We’re going to usher in a golden age for American families”

Trump promised prosperity for working families — that his economic agenda would lift up communities across America.

Reality

130,000

Arkansas families losing some or all food assistance

Trump’s SNAP cuts are taking food off the table for 130,000 Arkansas families. This is what his “golden age” looks like for the families who need help the most — empty promises and emptier plates.

Source: Urban Institute, 7/2/25



Expectation

“We’re going to bring back jobs like you’ve never seen before”

Trump promised an economic boom that would create jobs and drive down unemployment for every state.

Reality

+0.5%

Increase in Arkansas unemployment since Trump took office

Instead of a jobs boom, Arkansas’s unemployment rate has climbed half a percentage point since January. The job market is dismal, good-paying jobs are drying up, and Trump’s economy is leaving Arkansans behind. Across the country, 26 states and DC have seen unemployment rise.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 1/7/26



The Full Picture

By nearly every metric, Trump’s first year has been a complete disaster for Arkansas.

$259
Lost to Trump-era inflation in just 8 months
$1,320
Annual cost from Big Ugly Bill & tariffs per household
270%
Premium increase if ACA tax credits expire
143K
ACA enrollees at risk of losing tax credits



“

Tonight, Donald Trump will desperately try to pull the wool over Arkansans’ eyes and paper over a year’s worth of betrayal and disastrous policies. But Arkansans won’t fall for it. As Trump makes more promises he knows he can’t keep and pushes for an agenda that is raising costs for working families, Democrats will be fighting to lower Arkansans’ costs, create jobs, and protect health care.

Colonel Marcus Jones (Ret.)

Chair, Arkansas Democratic Party



Arkansans Will Hold Trump Accountable in November.

Enough broken promises. It’s time to fight back for working families across Arkansas.

Donate Now
Get Involved