Americans Face Skyrocketing Prices While Preparing For Fourth Of July Fireworks And Festivities
NYT- Americans Are Paying More To Travel This Summer
AP-Higher Prices For Gas, Groceries And Flights Will Likely Outlast The Iran War
CNN- ‘Afraid To Get My Next Bill’: Americans Brace For Higher Costs To Cool Their Homes This Summer
Fox Business- Fourth Of July Cookout Prices Hit Record High As America Celebrates 250th Birthday
Thanks to Donald Trump and Republican policies, American families are paying more this summer – and especially this July 4th weekend. From groceries for family BBQs, to gas for traveling to visit grandparents, to energy bills to keep cool during this week’s scorching heatwave, working families across the country are feeling the strain of rising costs caused by President Trump and Republicans’ failed and expensive agenda.
“On a day meant to celebrate 250 years of our great nation, American families are bearing the brunt of the cost-of-living crisis President Trump and Republicans created,” said Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY). “While the President continues to enrich himself and call affordability a hoax, everyday Americans are the ones actually footing the bill. From gas and airfare to visit family, to 4th of July BBQ staples, to the fireworks lighting up the sky – on America’s 250th birthday, Trump’s gift to the American people is skyrocketing prices.”
Fourth of July cookouts will the most expensive in history as prices soar: ground beef is up 20%, potato salad is up 23%, strawberries are up 20%, and hot dog prices have increased four times faster than inflation. Energy prices are also driving up costs this holiday weekend, from airfare up 27% to electric bills up 10%. Even fireworks are becoming significantly more expensive with Trump’s tariffs that cities across the country are cutting back on local shows.
And Trump doesn’t care. He says the quiet part out loud. His response to increasing costs? “I love the inflation” and affordability is a "a con job" that Democrats made up. While Trump and Republicans are focused on corrupt vanity projects and cutting health care, Senate Democrats have laid out an agenda centered around lowering costs, including for housing, groceries, energy, child care, and health care.
Read More:
Fox Business- Fourth Of July Cookout Prices Hit Record High As America Celebrates 250th Birthday. “Americans preparing to hold a Fourth of July barbecue this weekend will face higher costs for their burgers and hot dogs amid stubborn inflation, a new report finds. The American Farm Bureau Federation's Summer Cookout Cost Survey finds that in 2026, a classic Fourth of July cookout for 10 people will cost $73.82, or about $7.38 per person. That amounts to an increase of $2.90, or 4% compared with a year ago. The basket of goods used to measure the cost year to year includes cheeseburgers, chicken breasts, pork chops, potato chips, pork and beans, fresh strawberries, ingredients for homemade potato salad and fresh-squeezed lemonade, as well as chocolate chip cookies and ice cream.” [Fox Business, 6/30/2026]
WSJ- These Americans Are Scrimping to Save Their Summer Vacations. “When the bill to refuel the family RV passed $200 for the first time in April, Tina Morgan knew this summer’s vacation would be different. Morgan and her husband have taken the RV and its 50-gallon gas tank on a monthslong road trip for the past two summers. This year, the couple slashed their original itinerary to loop from their Texas home through seven national parks. Instead, they are taking two shorter trips to the Great Lakes and Mammoth Cave in Kentucky—and bought an air fryer to use on the road instead of eating out for all their meals—cutting their estimated travel costs from $8,000 to $3,000.” [WSJ, 6/28/26]
The Independent-Americans To Be Hit With Record-High Electricity Bills This Summer. “Americans are facing record-high costs to cool their homes this summer as electricity prices climb and temperatures soar. The average U.S. household will likely spend about $792 on electricity between June and September, up 10.5 percent from the same period last year, when it cost $717, according to new analysis from the National Energy Assistance Directors Association.” … “Forecasters are predicting record-smashing heat for 2026, meaning more electricity will be used to maintain comfortable and safe indoor conditions.” [The Independent, 6/17/26]
AP-Higher Prices For Gas, Groceries And Flights Will Likely Outlast The Iran War. “A tentative deal to end the Iran war makes it reasonable to ask how soon prices will drop for gasoline, groceries, airline tickets and other items that got more expensive during the conflict. Not so fast, experts say. Even after oil starts flowing again from the Middle East, it could take awhile for consumers to see a difference at local fuel pumps, supermarkets and other places they shop, according to economists and industry analysts.” [AP, 6/16/26]
Live Now Fox-Soaring Travel Costs Forcing Some Americans To Change Summer Vacation Plans, Survey Says. A recent survey from LendingTree of 2,000 U.S. consumers asked whether they’d be taking fewer trips, choosing closer destinations or just canceling travel plans altogether. More than half (75%) of Americans said the cost of fuel and airfare will force them to change their summer travel plans this year. More than a third (37%) of people surveyed said they would not be traveling at all between May and September, which are considered peak summer travel months, according to LendingTree.” [Live Now Fox, 6/16/26]
CNN- ‘Afraid To Get My Next Bill’: Americans Brace For Higher Costs To Cool Their Homes This Summer. “Electricity bills are expected to jump an average of 10.5%, to $792, nationwide for June through September, according to the latest National Energy Assistance Directors Association projection. The outlook takes into account both higher electricity prices and greater air conditioning usage amid forecasts for above-average temperatures for much of the nation. The increase adds to the financial squeeze that many Americans are feeling as annual inflation in May topped 4% for the first time in three years, pushed up by the surge in fuel and other costs in the wake of the Iran war.” [CNN, 6/13/26]
Huffington Post-You're Not Imagining It — Beef Is More Expensive Than Ever. Prices Aren't Dropping Anytime Soon. “Retail beef prices are hovering near a record high. Last month, consumers paid on average a little over $7 per pound for ground beef, up 13% from a year earlier and 50% from five years earlier, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics — far outpacing the general inflation rate. A decent ribeye steak from the grocery store now looks like a luxury, with prime cuts typically pushing beyond $20 per pound. Even some beloved Texas barbecue joints are shutting down due to the skyrocketing cost of brisket.” [Huffington Post, 6/13/26]
NYT- Americans Are Paying More To Travel This Summer. “As the war in Iran has squeezed energy supplies, its impact is beginning to ripple across sectors that rely heavily on fuel and gas, like travel. Americans planning to travel this summer are finding far steeper prices than they did a year ago. Federal inflation data released on Wednesday showed airline fares averaged across cities in the United States had rocketed up 26.7 percent in May compared with the same time last year. They were up nearly 3 percent from the month before.” [NYT, 6/10/26]
CBS News- As Iran War Drags On, Expect A Pricier Summer Vacation. “The U.S.'s war with Iran could mean your summer vacation will be a little more expensive this year.”… “And it's not just gas prices that are up for vacationers. Hotels and lodging are also about 4% more expensive compared to a year ago. That's why Knapp expects people to stay a little closer to home than previous summers.” [CBS News, 6/1/26]
WaPo-Some Of Texas’s Oldest Barbecue Joints Close As Meat Prices Skyrocket. “If the Texas barbecue industry had an alarm, it would be the spreadsheet that Russell Roegels uses to track the price of brisket. On a recent morning, sitting at a quiet table in his suburban restaurant, he pointed to the number at the top of the column: $5.56. That’s the price he pays for a pound of the most important item on any barbecue menu in Texas. Over the past year, that number has risen 28 percent, a reflection of the spiking meat prices that have dented the pocketbooks of average grocery store customers nationwide. Inside the kitchens of Texas’s more than 3,000 barbecue purveyors, whose very existence depends on a plentiful and affordable supply of quality beef, the effect has been close to cataclysmal.” [WaPo, 5/25/26]
Axios-Iran War Hits Small Business Hard. “Small business profits are sinking as owners get squeezed by rising labor costs and energy prices spiking from the Iran war.” … “Small business profitability in April suffered its biggest decline in two years, falling 1.3%, according to the report.” [Axios, 5/20/26]
CBS News- Summer Travelers Face "Vacation Inflation" As Airfare, Gas Prices Rise. “Americans with plans to travel for Memorial Day weekend or this summer are likely to face higher costs for everything from gas and airfare to activities and lodging.” … “Driving may not save travelers money either: Gas prices have risen $1.42 per gallon from a year ago, according to AAA.” … “Vacation-related costs continue to climb. Activities are up more than 5.5% from a year ago, lodging costs have risen 4.3% and dining out prices are up more than 3.6%, according to NerdWallet.” [CBS News, 5/20/26]
BBC-The Trade-Offs Americans Are Making To Afford Summer Travel. “This upcoming travel season is shaping up to be unusually complicated, from disrupted flight paths across the Middle East to higher gas and jet fuel prices – not to mention Spirit Airlines ceasing operations and the hantavirus striking a cruise ship. According to a new survey by US News and World Report, 65% of Americans have already altered summer travel plans because of rising prices, with 31% changing destinations or cancelling vacations entirely. While two-thirds of Americans are still planning to travel this summer, an Ibotta Summer Outlook survey found a third expect to take fewer trips.” [BBC, 5/21/26]
NYT-Tomato Prices Soar As War, Tariffs And Weather Affect A Popular Crop. “The price of tomatoes — tart bursts of flavor in salads and sandwiches — surged nearly 40 percent in April from a year earlier on a combination of bad weather, high tariffs and climbing transportation costs.”… “Tariffs on Mexico have also pumped up prices. After the Trump administration ended an agreement last year that allowed tomatoes to be imported into the United States from Mexico for free, tariffs on tomatoes jumped to about 17 percent. And when the conflict with Iran started to send fuel prices higher, grocery analysts warned that fresh fruit and vegetables that are either shipped or trucked into the United States would be among the first to feel the impact of the fuel surcharges.” [CNBC, 5/12/26]
Fox Business-Your Summer BBQ Is About To Cost More – Here’s The Surprising Reason Why. “As Americans head into barbecue season, rising energy prices linked to Middle East tensions are driving up the cost of propane. When energy prices rise, the added costs ripple through the food system and into everyday purchases, from meat counters to backyard grills.” … “Propane, the fuel powering many backyard grills, is also getting more expensive as global energy markets tighten because countries in the Middle East are such major suppliers to the world.” [Fox Business, 4/24/26]
Fox News-BBQ Lovers Beware: Middle East Conflict Might Disrupt Your Summer Plans This Year. “Burger lovers take warning: neighborhood cookouts could be more expensive this summer, thanks to conflict in the Middle East. Global tensions are pushing up energy prices, resulting in higher costs for beef and the propane used to fuel backyard grills — just in time for Americans getting ready for barbecue season.” … “The U.S. cattle herd is now at its smallest size in 75 years, which is keeping the supply tight following years of drought, rising costs and an aging ranching workforce resulting in producers needing to cut back.” [Fox News, 4/18/26]
CNBC-Why BLTs and salad just got more expensive — tariffs, war send tomato prices soaring. “A key ingredient for pizza, BLTs, springtime salads and other dishes has gotten a lot pricier of late. Prices for fresh tomatoes have soared in recent months, largely on the back of tariffs, higher energy costs triggered by the Iran war, and weather-related supply shocks, according to agricultural economists.” [CNBC, 4/15/26]
STORIES FROM ACROSS THE NATION:
WMUR- Fourth Of July Cookouts Expected To Cost More For 250th Celebrations. “Cookouts for the upcoming Fourth of July holiday will put more pressure on shoppers' wallets this year, marking the latest economic strain on American consumers.” … “Sunday grocery store shoppers told News 9 the numbers match what they're experiencing at the register. Maryse Wirval of Merrimack said she's still planning to celebrate the holiday, albeit with some modifications. ‘I'm going to be making my own salads and things like that this year, just to try to get the most out of every dollar,’ Wirval said. Valerie Fedion, also of Merrimack, has concerns that go well beyond the Fourth. ‘If that's the way Fourth of July is going, how's Christmas going to be, especially with the demand for toys? Then there's more food, and then there's events,’ Fedion said.” [WMUR, 6/28/26]
KTNV-Las Vegas Families Face Higher Meat Prices Ahead Of Fourth Of July: Here's What's Driving The Costs. “If you're planning a backyard barbecue this Fourth of July, you may notice your grocery bill is a little higher than it was last year. From burgers and steaks to chicken and pork, many Las Vegas families are still dealing with rising meat prices as they prepare for holiday cookouts.‘It's insane,’ said chef Marc Marrone, owner of the newly opened Diamond Spur Provisions & Meats in southwest Las Vegas, when asked about today's meat prices.” [KTNV, 6/26/26]
First Alert 4- Tariffs Lead To Increased Costs For Fireworks, Impacting Local Cities And Businesses. “As towns across America prepare to celebrate the Fourth of July, costly tariffs mean celebrations may look different this year. Here in Missouri, the rising costs have had impacts on some cities, leading them to completely pull the plug on their shows. That’s what happened in Ferguson, where, for the first time in decades, the city cancelled their annual Fourth of July fireworks show, citing rising costs and tariffs as part of the reason.” [First Alert 4, 6/25/26]
WJFW-Fourth Of July Food Costs See 7.5% Increase In Wisconsin. “Food will cost more this Fourth of July holiday, according to a new survey from the Wisconsin Farm Bureau. The group showed the cost of 12 food items to hold a summer cookout for 10 people would cost $75.50, the highest cost since the Marketbasket survey began in 2013 and 7.5% more than last summer. Nationally, that same cost estimate from the American Farm Bureau is $73.82, up 4% from last year.” [WJFW,6/24/26]
Detroit Free Press- July Fourth Cookout To Cost The Most In 10 Years. “Shoppers heading to the grocery store to stock up for this year's Fourth of July cookout can expect to pay more for things like ground beef for burgers. An annual survey by the American Farm Bureau Federation released on Wednesday, June 24, revealed that a cookout for 10 people will cost nearly $3 more than last year. A Fourth of July cookout, according to the survey, will cost $73.82 for 10 guests or $7.38 per person.” [Detroit Free Press, 6/24/26]
WSET ABC 13-Rising Travel Costs, Uncertainty Slow Virginia’s July 4 Travel Growth As 2.1M Plan Trips.“While gas prices are higher than they were a year ago, road trips remain a more affordable option for many families than flying, especially for those traveling with children. Despite the increase in travelers, AAA says the pace of travel growth has begun to level off. Officials say that may be tied to rising travel costs and ongoing economic uncertainty.” [WSET ABC 13, 6/22/26]
The Times Tribune- Ground Beef To Drive Up Fourth Of July Grilling Costs. “As consumers prepare to fire up the grill for Independence Day celebrations, they should expect to pay more for at least one holiday cookout staple: ground beef. Joe Fasula, co-owner of Gerrity’s Supermarkets, which operates 10 supermarkets throughout Lackawanna, Luzerne and Northampton counties, noted that while the price of many grilling essentials will remain on par with the same time last year, 80% lean ground beef will cost customers $4.99 per pound — up $1 from $3.99.” [The Times Tribune, 6/21/26]
KSDK-Fireworks Prices Climb As Sales Begin In Missouri. “Fireworks tent sellers across the St. Louis region said that rising fireworks prices are sparking concern. ‘This is probably the most expensive we've ever seen fireworks over the long period of time we've been here,’ said Patrick Clayton of Red Dragon Fireworks in Cottleville.” [KDSK, 6/21/26]
The Times Tribune- Ground Beef To Drive Up Fourth Of July Grilling Costs. “As consumers prepare to fire up the grill for Independence Day celebrations, they should expect to pay more for at least one holiday cookout staple: ground beef. Joe Fasula, co-owner of Gerrity’s Supermarkets, which operates 10 supermarkets throughout Lackawanna, Luzerne and Northampton counties, noted that while the price of many grilling essentials will remain on par with the same time last year, 80% lean ground beef will cost customers $4.99 per pound — up $1 from $3.99.” [The Times Tribune, 6/21/26]
The Logan Daily News- Less Bang For Your Buck: Rising Fireworks Costs Make For A More Expensive July Fourth. “This July Fourth, America will celebrate its 250th anniversary. While this should call for more extravagant festivities than previous years, rising costs and tariffs on fireworks may limit just how much bang you can get for your buck. While tariffs have fluctuated throughout the past several months, the National Fireworks Association states that the combination of tariffs and rising duty rates have caused “significant financial strain for many of our members, particularly small and mid-sized businesses,” as explained in a press release from February.” [The Logan Daily News, 6/18/26]
Patch IL- Backyard Cookout Costs Rise: What Illinois Hosts Can Expect. “Feeding a crowd at a backyard cookout may cost Illinois hosts more this year, but choosing the right mix of burgers, sides and drinks can help keep the bill in check. A summer barbecue for 10 people is expected to cost about $161 this year, or roughly $16 per person, according to an analysis by the Wells Fargo Agri-Food Institute. That is up 2.4 percent from last year, with higher prices showing up across several popular cookout staples. The increase comes as more people may choose staycations over long road trips or destination travel, potentially making backyard gatherings larger and more frequent. For hosts in Illinois, that could mean feeding more guests while looking for ways to stretch the grocery budget.” [Patch, 6/17/26]
NJ1015-A Classic Jersey Shore Vacation May Be Out Of Reach For Some Families This Year. “Families planning trips to the Jersey Shore this summer can expect an 11% rise in costs, overall, according to research from Affinity Federal Credit Union.” … “Weeklong vacation rentals at the Jersey Shore surged 53% year-over-year in popular shore towns like Asbury Park, Point Pleasant, and Seaside Heights, Gallagher said. Food at the Jersey Shore is also up 7% this year, according to the report.” [NJ 101.5, 6/12/26]
KOLOTV- High Gas Prices Prompt Nevada Families To Scale Back Summer Road Trips. “Fuel costs continue to remain high in Nevada, and data shows families are cutting back on costs for travel, especially on road trips for the summer.” … “A survey conducted by RV Windshield Replacement polled over 3,000 families and found Nevada families are not necessarily giving up on summer adventures, but many are shrinking them. 68% percent say they are more likely to take a shorter, in-state road trip this summer because of gas prices. 47% percent say high gas prices would make them more likely to invite another family or relatives along to share costs.” [KOLO TV,6/12/26]
WSMV-Midstate Families Brace For Higher Electric Bills As Summer Temperatures Rise. “Energy costs are expected to rise with temperatures this summer as families brace for higher electric bills. Experts say the average Midstate family could be paying about 8.5% more for home cooling.” … “Not everyone is taking the increase in stride. Loretta Harrington, who lives on a fixed income, said the rising costs are difficult to manage. ‘We live on a small budget, and I do what I can to save every penny,” Harrington said. “By the time you pay your house bills and everything and pay house and food, there is nothing left.’” [WSMV, 6/10/26]
WBALTV- As Gas Prices Continue To Rise, So Too Do Maryland Crab Prices Heading Into Fourth Of July Holiday. “Consumers planning a traditional Fourth of July crab feast may face significantly higher prices this year, according to seafood industry experts. A combination of rising fuel costs, limited crab supplies and challenging weather conditions has driven up the cost of crabs heading into the holiday season. Industry experts estimate that a bushel of crabs could cost about $100 more than it did at the same time last year.” [WBAL TV, 6/9/26]
KIRO 7- Higher Costs And Travel Uncertainty As Summer Season Kicks Off. “‘I just booked a flight to go from San Diego to Madison, Wisconsin,” said Matt Murphy, flying out of SEA on Thursday. “For four of us it was probably $1,000 more than what we experienced last year.’ U.S. consumer price data from April shows gas prices went up 28% year-over-year. Airfare increased nearly 21%, and lodging, including hotels and motels, saw a 4% increase.” [KIRO 7, 6/4/26]
CNY Central-Central New Yorkers Prepare For Higher Summer Electric Bills As Temperatures Rise.“ Summer does not officially begin for another two and a half weeks — but many Central New Yorkers are already thinking about how warmer temperatures could affect their electric bills. As people spend more time outdoors enjoying parks, patios and other seasonal activities — some say concerns about rising utility costs are shaping how they plan for the months ahead. For Amber Moldonado, a dog walker, higher energy costs mean working more hours to make ends meet.” [CNY Central, 6/4/26]
Fox 17 Online-As Summer Electricity Rates Return, Families Look For Ways To Cut Costs. “Consumers Energy's summer peak pricing has some families rethinking their daily routines as electricity costs more than double during weekday afternoons and evenings.” … “For Ada Township neighbor Kristen Covelle, who has lived in her home for 19 years, managing energy costs means changing her family's schedule. ‘I make sure that we get out of here,’ Covelle said about their routine during peak hours. ‘However, we're Michiganders, we wilt in the heat. When it gets to be over 100, it's like, do I have to pay money here just so that we can, you know, be comfortable inside the house?’” [Fox 17 Online, 6/2/26]
Spectrum News-High Diesel Prices May Dampen Summer Lobster Fishing Season. “Higher diesel fuel prices are worrying lobster fishermen in Maine, just as the summer fishing season is beginning to ramp up. ‘It’s going to be more expensive for them to fish if this continues,’ said Marianne LaCroix, executive director of the Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative.”… “The summer also means big business for The Clam Shack, a seafood restaurant and market in Kennebunkport. Owner Steve Kingston said he sells lobster rolls, lobster meat by the pound, and live lobsters.” … “Kingston said if the cost of lobster fishing goes up, that might drive up his costs, which also worries him.” [Spectrum News, 6/1/26]
KJZZ-Higher Summer Temperatures And Energy Costs Mean Almost 9% Bigger Bills For Arizonans.“As the Valley’s temperatures settle into the triple digits, a new report finds we should expect to pay more to cool our homes this summer. The National Energy Assistance Directors Association said on average, Americans will pay 8.5% more this summer than last year — that comes out to a $61 difference. The group defines summer as between June and September. In the Mountain region, which includes Arizona, the increase is expected to be 8.8%.” [KJZZ, 6/1/26]
CBS 12- Higher Gas Prices Could Put Squeeze On Florida Summer Travel Plans. “Florida drivers are heading into the summer travel season with gas prices far higher than they were a year ago, adding another cost to road trips, daily commutes and small business operations across the state.” … “That increase is forcing some families to rethink summer plans. Instead of longer drives across the state or out-of-state vacations, some travelers may choose shorter trips, fewer overnight stays or destinations closer to home.” [CBS 12, 5/26/26]
Click2Houston- Summer Cookouts Could Cost More As Meat Prices Continue Climbing, Experts Say. “If you’re planning backyard barbecues and summer cookouts, experts say you may notice higher prices at the grocery store, especially in the meat department. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the average retail price for beef reached a record $9.64 per pound in April, up about 13% from the same time last year. The American Farm Bureau Federation says strong consumer demand and historically low cattle inventories are driving prices higher heading into peak grilling season.” [Click2Houston, 5/26/26]
Dayton Daily News- Summer Burger Grilling Is Going To Cost A Little More Locally. “The Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of grilling season, and if the economy has you down, you might want to exchange your hamburger for a grilled chicken breast. The average price of ground beef is up $1.66 per pound over last year, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation, at $6.89 from $5.23. Inflation and expensive feed, transportation, and labor continue to increase the cost of raising cattle and processing meat, which gets passed along to the consumer, according to the federation.” [Dayton Daily News, 5/25/26]
KSHB- Liberty Families Budget For Summer Fun Amid Rising Gas Prices, Travel Costs. “According to NerdWallet, 89% of summer travelers this year will take action to save money on their vacation — including choosing to drive rather than fly. Morgan and Logan Conom, who live in Liberty, are doing the same.” … “But even road trips come with a catch. With higher gas prices, some families are rethinking how far they are willing to go. Terrie and her grandson Hayden are keeping their summer close to home.” [KSHB, 5/25/26]
###