President Donald Trump downplayed a bipartisan housing bill and argued that lowering interest rates, not sweeping legislation, is key to improving affordability for American families.
In a phone interview with the Washington Examiner on Thursday, Trump said housing challenges are "all about interest rates," signaling his administration's focus on economic fundamentals rather than what some Republicans see as a flawed, overly complex bill moving through Congress.
"I'm looking at other things very strongly," Trump said, adding that while he supports efforts to improve housing, "we have other things we're pushing that are bigger, and right now, more important."
The legislation in question — the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act — passed the Senate on March 12 with bipartisan backing and is being touted by its sponsors, including Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., as a major step toward increasing housing supply and cutting red tape.
Scott has emphasized that the bill aims to make homeownership more attainable by reducing regulatory barriers and encouraging development.
"Housing affordability is deeply personal," Scott said in a recent press release, highlighting how expanding supply and empowering local communities could help more Americans achieve the dream of owning a home.
But Trump's comments underscore a divide within the Republican Party. While some lawmakers support the bill as a supply-side solution, others have raised concerns about certain provisions.
According to Politico on March 11, members of the House Freedom Caucus are skeptical of the Senate measure, warning it may not pass without changes.
Critics have pointed to provisions tied to federal oversight, limits on institutional investors, and elements negotiated with Democrats as problematic.
Rep. Scott Perry, R-Pa., criticized parts of the bill as veering toward "pricing control" policies, while others have objected to language they say could discourage private investment in housing.
Trump has focused on what he views as the main driver of affordability: borrowing costs.
Mortgage rates, which had dipped earlier this year, have recently climbed again amid global instability, including the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
Recent data shows the average 30-year mortgage rate hovering above 6%, significantly higher than levels seen a few years ago, a factor that has priced many Americans out of the housing market.
The president has also criticized Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, whom he blames for keeping rates too high. Trump has called for rate cuts, arguing that lower borrowing costs would translate into more affordable housing.
"I think as soon as [the war] is over, you're going to see many, many good things happen," Trump said, expressing optimism that rates will trend downward.
While the housing bill's future in the House remains uncertain, Trump's stance reflects a broader conservative argument that market-driven solutions, particularly lower interest rates and reduced regulatory burdens, are more effective than government interventions.
Charlie McCarthy ✉
Charlie McCarthy, a writer/editor at Newsmax, has nearly 40 years of experience covering news, sports, and politics.
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