Americans for Free Markets Commends Economic Progress Highlighted in President’s State of the Union Address

President Trump delivered his first State of the Union address of his second term last night, highlighting the economic progress made over the past year.

As advocates for pro-growth policies, Americans for Free Markets (AFFM) commends the President’s continued focus on bringing down costs for American consumers, protecting taxpayers and fostering economic prosperity. Among the policy areas addressed, AFFM recognizes the following developments affecting taxpayers and consumers:

Reducing the Cost of Living
In recent years, Americans have endured economic uncertainty as inflation has eaten away at family budgets. Polling continues to show voters are concerned about the rising cost and their ability to afford everyday goods and services. Thanks to recent legislation passed by Congress, taxpayers are beginning to see relief.

Inflation has fallen to 2.4 percent. Americans are starting to notice signs of progress at the grocery store and gas pumps as the price of essential goods and services decline. Further supporting competition and free and open markets is the best path to further reducing inflation and getting Americans a better deal on day to day essentials. This includes opportunities like removing burdensome government mandates in the energy sector to bring down the cost of electricity and fuel, for example.

Protecting Taxpayers
In addition to lessening inflationary pressures, the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” delivered historic tax cuts. Americans earning between $55,000-$80,000 saw an average tax reduction of 15 percent. The legislation also reduced burdens on workers who rely on tips and overtime pay, significantly expanding their federal income tax deductions.

The law also permanently expanded the Child Tax Credit to $2,200 and indexed it for inflation, providing meaningful relief for families.

Families are better off when they can keep more of their hard earned money in their pockets.

Unleashing Innovation
The Trump Administration has made efforts to strengthen U.S. competitiveness through deregulation, reshoring manufacturing and attracting capital investment here at home.

President Trump’s executive order, calling for a national policy framework for artificial intelligence (AI) will help foster innovation and protect consumers by establishing a federal standard and avoiding a patchwork of state legislation. The U.S. has attracted more than $2.7 trillion in tech and AI investments so far.

The Administration has also made progress in increasing domestic energy production by reducing regulatory burdens and streamlining lease approvals.

Looking Ahead

AFFM encourages President Trump to continue advancing policies that expand economic opportunity and prosperity. Tax relief and easing inflationary pressures strengthen family budgets. Allowing the free market to function—while avoiding harmful policies such as price controls—will further sustain economic growth.