Tells Americans to buy fewer pencils and dolls amid affordability crisis

At the same Pennsylvania rally, Trump dismissed affordability concerns by telling Americans they could "give up certain products" like pencils and dolls. He said children only need "1 or 2" pencils instead of 37, and parents should limit daughters to "two or three" dolls instead of 37. The comments came weeks before Christmas as families struggled with persistent inflation, and contradicted his claim that he was "crushing" inflation. Critics noted the billionaire's tone-deaf message to working families, especially given polling showing 60% believe Trump makes inflation "sound better than it really is."

"You don't need 37 dolls for your daughter. Two or three is nice, but you don't need 37 dolls." — Pennsylvania rally billed as economic speech, Mount Airy Casino Resort, Mount Pocono, December 9, 2025