Steve Moore: After Midterm Rout, Here’s How Trump Can Start Fixing Affordability

**Lead**

In the wake of a disappointing midterm cycle that saw Republicans underperform expectations, veteran economist and former Trump adviser Steve Moore is urging the former president to pivot decisively toward kitchen-table economic issues. In a new policy memo circulated among conservative circles, Moore argues that the single most effective way for Trump to regain political momentum is to champion a bold, actionable agenda aimed at restoring affordability for American families. The proposal comes as inflation and high interest rates continue to squeeze household budgets, making economic anxiety the dominant issue for voters across the political spectrum.

**Context**

Moore, a distinguished visiting fellow at the Heritage Foundation and a former member of the Trump administration’s Council of Economic Advisers, has long been a vocal advocate for supply-side economics. His latest recommendations are rooted in the belief that the current affordability crisis is not a temporary blip but a structural problem exacerbated by federal policies. The memo, titled "Restoring the American Dream," outlines a series of executive actions and legislative priorities that Trump could pursue if he returns to the White House in 2028.

The timing is significant. The midterm elections, held earlier this week, delivered a mixed verdict for the GOP, with the party narrowly reclaiming the House but failing to secure a Senate majority. Analysts attribute the underwhelming performance to a lack of a cohesive economic message, with voters increasingly frustrated by rising costs for housing, groceries, and energy. Moore contends that Trump’s current focus on cultural grievances and election integrity, while important to his base, does not resonate with the broader electorate struggling to make ends meet.

Moore’s plan centers on three pillars: energy independence, regulatory reform, and tax simplification. On energy, he advocates for a return to the "America First" energy policies of the previous administration, including expedited permitting for oil and gas exploration, the revival of the Keystone XL pipeline, and a rollback of what he calls "burdensome" environmental regulations. He argues that increasing domestic supply is the fastest way to lower gasoline prices and reduce the cost of electricity, which in turn would ease inflationary pressures across the entire economy.

The second pillar, regulatory reform, targets what Moore describes as "the hidden tax" of federal bureaucracy. He points to a study by the National Association of Manufacturers, which estimates that federal regulations cost the U.S. economy nearly $2 trillion annually in lost productivity and compliance expenses. Moore suggests that Trump should commit to a policy of "two-for-one" deregulation, requiring agencies to eliminate two existing rules for every new one introduced. He also proposes a 90-day moratorium on all new federal rulemaking to allow businesses to recalibrate.

**Analise**

The significance of Moore’s memo lies not in its novelty but in its political pragmatism. By focusing on affordability, Trump can potentially broaden his appeal beyond his core supporters to include working-class Democrats and independents who have been hit hardest by inflation. According to a recent Gallup poll, nearly 80% of Americans describe the current economic conditions as "poor" or "fair," with housing affordability and healthcare costs topping the list of concerns. Moore’s proposals directly address these anxieties, offering a concrete alternative to the Biden administration’s spending-heavy approach.

However, the feasibility of Moore’s agenda faces significant hurdles. Energy policy, for instance, is a contentious issue even within the GOP, with some factions advocating for a more balanced approach that includes renewable sources. Additionally, deregulation efforts would likely face legal challenges from environmental groups and could be stalled by the courts. Moore acknowledges these obstacles but argues that Trump’s willingness to use executive orders and his ability to rally public opinion could overcome institutional resistance.

Another critical aspect is the political calendar. With the 2028 presidential election less than two years away, Trump would need to demonstrate tangible results quickly. Moore suggests that the former president should use his first 100 days in office to sign a series of executive orders on energy and regulation, while simultaneously pushing Congress to pass a tax reform bill that simplifies the code and reduces rates for middle-class families. He also recommends a temporary suspension of the federal gas tax, a move that could provide immediate relief at the pump.

**Fontes**

This article is based on the policy memo authored by Steve Moore, as well as public statements and reports from the Heritage Foundation, the National Association of Manufacturers, and Gallup polling data. No direct interviews were conducted, and all figures cited are derived from these publicly available sources.