Tim Magnusson

Throughout his second term, Trump and his officials have continuously told Americans to expect less — and to be happy about it. Here’s a list: — Donald Trump said children don’t need 30 dolls and could have two, three, or four instead. — Donald Trump said Americans can “give up certain products” and “give up pencils.” — Donald Trump said children who might otherwise get 37 pencils “only need one or two.” — Donald Trump said daughters don’t need 37 dolls and that “two or three is nice.” — Donald Trump said Americans may have to “take medicine” economically while his tariff policies take effect. — Scott Bessent said “access to cheap goods is not the essence of the American Dream.” — Scott Bessent said America should “consume less, manufacture more.” — Scott Bessent said children getting fewer toys would ultimately have a “better life” and “economic freedom.” — Scott Bessent suggested relatives contribute to children’s Trump Accounts instead of buying them toys for birthdays or holidays. — JD Vance said people should not focus on whether their children get “two dolls or five dolls or 20 dolls.” — Karoline Leavitt defended Trump’s comments by saying Americans could pay a dollar or two more for better-quality American-made dolls. — Howard Lutnick said Trump’s economic policies would be “worth it” even if they caused a recession. — Brooke Rollins suggested people dealing with high egg prices could consider raising chickens in their backyards. — Brooke Rollins said a roughly $3 meal could consist of a piece of chicken, a piece of broccoli, a corn tortilla, and one other thing. — Brooke Rollins, today: If beef is too expensive, “you can eat chicken, pork, salmon, eggs. There are other sources of really good protein.”