Vice President JD Vance sent a fundraising text Tuesday acknowledging the cost-of-living crisis, stating: ‘Groceries cost what they cost.’
The message, signed by Vance and distributed by the Republican National Committee (RNC), urged recipients not to donate if they could not afford to, adding: ‘If you can’t give right now, don’t.’ The text included a link to an RNC fundraising page titled ‘A Letter from JD Vance,’ which reiterated the line and stated: ‘I’m not going to make you feel guilty over a number.’
The fundraising page offered suggested donations, including a preselected $47 contribution and an option to give an additional $47 on August 28. The RNC did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the message’s intent or strategy.
The Democratic National Committee (DNC) criticized the wording in a Tuesday press release. Kendall Witmer, DNC Rapid Response Director, accused the Trump administration of making everyday costs less affordable and stated Vance was ‘turning a blind eye to the hardship of American families.’
The fundraising text was first reported by Natalie Allison, a White House reporter for The Washington Post, who shared a screenshot of the message on X (formerly Twitter). The link directed users to an ‘Authorized Website of GOP HQ,’ featuring a graphic of a bald eagle against the Stars and Stripes.
Economic Context
The RNC’s message follows weeks of heightened voter concern over affordability, with CNBC’s All America Economic Survey ranking the cost of food and groceries as voters’ top concern. The latest Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index, released Wednesday by the Commerce Department, showed a 0.2% increase from June, leaving the annual inflation rate at 3.7%. Inflation-adjusted consumer spending was flat from the prior month, compared to a 0.4% gain in June.
Republican Responses
President Donald Trump dismissed concerns about affordability in a Wednesday interview, stating the term ‘affordability’ was ‘devised’ by Democrats to disparage him. Senator Darline Graham, R-S.C., who won her Senate primary Tuesday, criticized federally-run universal healthcare while recalling her parents working despite illness.
Political analysts suggest the comments risk appearing tone-deaf to voters struggling with high prices. One analyst noted that Republicans’ messaging may ‘drive the car straight into an affordability wall at full throttle.’
Democratic Strategy
Democrats have emphasized affordability on the campaign trail, with the issue remaining a persistent voter concern amid the war with Iran and elevated living costs. The DNC’s response to Vance’s message underscores the party’s focus on framing Republicans as out of touch with economic struggles.
The midterm elections, less than 10 weeks away, will test whether voters prioritize affordability concerns over other issues.