The new residential construction report from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that Donald Trump has once again failed to deliver on his promise to make housing affordable for the next generation. The numbers reveal a market pulling back, rather than moving forward, as housing starts remain significantly below last year’s levels. Permits are down from a year ago, indicating that builders have lost confidence that costs will fall and are holding back on new projects.
Under Trump, construction is slowing, and the homes young people need to start stable lives are not being built. This comes after he promised to halve the cost of buying a home and make the American Dream attainable for a new generation.
What the country got instead is a shrinking supply, rising costs, and a deepening national shortage. Every month that goes by without real action means fewer homes, higher rents, and another set of empty promises from a leader who talks about affordability but cannot deliver it.
“Trump sold a vision of affordable housing and opportunity for young Americans, but the reality is a housing market in retreat and families struggling to keep up. Builders are slowing, and permits are falling while people face higher prices and fewer opportunities to buy a home,” said American Bridge 21st Century spokesperson Brandon Weathersby. “This is a betrayal of an entire generation. Voters will not forget how Trump’s failures have made it harder for them to build a future, and the entire GOP will pay the price for letting him destroy the housing market.”
Published: Feb 18, 2026 | Last Modified: Feb 23, 2026