A conservative organization founded by former Vice President Mike Pence has released a major affordability report that supports key elements of President Trump’s economic agenda while breaking with the administration on tariffs and proposed credit card interest rate caps.

Conservative Blueprint Targets Government Overreach

Advancing American Freedom released a detailed report titled “10 Ways to Improve Affordability Now Across 10 Levels of the Economy,” which identifies government regulations as the primary cause of rising costs for American families. Richard Stern, vice president of the Plymouth Institute for Free Enterprise at the organization, stated the affordability crisis stems directly from government intervention. The report addresses housing, energy, and business costs while proposing solutions ranging from zoning reform to expanded oil and gas production.

The proposals align with several Trump administration priorities, including streamlined energy development and regulatory relief. However, the report diverges sharply on trade policy and financial regulation, creating potential friction within conservative circles as economic concerns dominate voter attention ahead of the midterm elections.

Tariff Dispute Highlights Economic Tensions

The report argues Trump’s comprehensive tariff strategy has hurt American consumers through higher prices and weaker international relationships. According to the analysis, the tariffs have resulted in nearly 900,000 fewer jobs than projected. Treasury Department data shows tariff collections reached $30.4 billion in January alone, representing a 242 percent increase from $8.9 billion the previous year. The conservative group recommends transferring more tariff authority back to Congress.

On financial policy, the organization opposes Trump’s proposed 10 percent cap on credit card interest rates, warning such limits could make lending unprofitable for approximately 60 percent of Americans. This position puts the Pence-founded group at odds with a populist economic measure aimed at providing immediate relief to consumers.

Housing and Energy Reform at Center Stage

The report identifies housing and energy as critical areas where government restrictions have driven costs beyond reach for many Americans. Local zoning regulations receive particular criticism for pushing families away from employment centers and blocking younger Americans from homeownership. The National Association of Home Builders estimates regulations account for roughly 26 percent of new single-family home prices. The proposal recommends tying approximately $50 billion in annual federal housing assistance to meaningful zoning reform at local levels.

Stern framed the affordability debate as fundamental to whether Americans can still pursue better lives for their families. He warned economic frustration risks turning citizens against each other rather than focusing on government as the source of these challenges.