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Trump Seeks Unexpected Economic Advice from Obama Advisor

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/1 .. expected-economic-advice-from-obama-advisor.html
  Published in House and Home on Tuesday, February 10th 2026 at 22:54 GMT by Business Insider
      Locales: Florida, District of Columbia, New Hampshire, UNITED STATES

New York, NY - February 11th, 2026 - As Donald Trump gears up for a potential 2026 presidential run (following a controversial second term ending in 2025), his campaign is undertaking a strategic and surprisingly collaborative shift in economic policy. Rather than relying solely on traditional Republican platforms, the Trump team is actively seeking input from Oren Cass, a former advisor to Barack Obama, specifically regarding affordability and the rising cost of living.

This alliance, first reported in 2024 and now fully solidified, represents a notable departure from Trump's past economic strategies and highlights a pragmatic approach focused on appealing to a wider demographic struggling with economic pressures. Cass, currently the Director of American Opportunity at the Manhattan Institute, offers a distinctly different perspective on economic policy than many within the established conservative framework. His work centers on bolstering the economic security of working-class families, a key demographic Trump heavily courted in previous elections.

Initially, the collaboration was met with skepticism within both parties. Conservative purists questioned Trump's willingness to embrace ideas originating from the Obama administration, while Democrats viewed it as a cynical attempt to co-opt popular policies for political gain. However, internal campaign documents leaked earlier this week reveal a detailed plan to integrate Cass's proposals into a revised economic platform.

At the heart of Cass's philosophy is a rejection of purely free-market principles in favor of policies that actively prioritize domestic manufacturing and job creation. He argues that decades of globalization, while beneficial to some, have left many American workers behind. This resonates deeply with Trump's "America First" rhetoric, but Cass's approach goes beyond simple nationalism. He advocates for carefully constructed trade policies designed to protect American industries without resorting to blanket protectionism that could trigger trade wars. Instead, he proposes targeted tariffs and subsidies to incentivize domestic production in strategic sectors, such as semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy.

Healthcare affordability is another cornerstone of Cass's proposals. While Trump attempted to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act during his first term, his current team, influenced by Cass, is exploring more nuanced solutions. These include expanding price transparency in healthcare, promoting competition among pharmaceutical companies, and investing in preventative care. Interestingly, Cass's analysis points to the unintended consequences of deregulation in the healthcare sector, suggesting that a measured degree of regulation is necessary to control costs and ensure quality.

"The economic landscape has changed dramatically since 2016," explains Dr. Eleanor Vance, a political economist at Columbia University. "Voters are no longer solely focused on tax cuts and deregulation. They want to see tangible improvements in their daily lives - affordable housing, accessible healthcare, and secure jobs. Trump realizes he needs to address these concerns head-on if he wants to win in 2026."

Beyond trade and healthcare, Cass also advocates for policies aimed at reducing housing costs. His proposals include zoning reform to increase housing supply, and incentives for developers to build affordable units. This is particularly crucial as housing prices continue to soar in many major metropolitan areas, making homeownership increasingly unattainable for middle-class families.

The integration of Cass's ideas isn't without its challenges. Some within Trump's inner circle remain resistant to abandoning traditional conservative principles. Concerns have also been raised about the potential cost of implementing these policies and the impact on the national debt. However, Trump appears determined to push forward, believing that addressing affordability is the key to winning over working-class voters in key swing states.

The unexpected collaboration between Trump and Cass suggests a broader realignment in American economic policy. It signals a growing recognition that traditional ideological divides are becoming less relevant in the face of pressing economic challenges. Whether this shift will be enough to propel Trump to victory in 2026 remains to be seen, but it's clear that his campaign is betting on a new and surprisingly inclusive approach to tackling affordability.