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Trump Defends Deregulation as Key to Economic Growth

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/1 .. ends-deregulation-as-key-to-economic-growth.html
  Published in House and Home on Tuesday, February 17th 2026 at 17:44 GMT by lex18
      Locales: Kentucky, UNITED STATES

NEW YORK (LEX 18) - February 17th, 2026 - President Donald Trump today reiterated his commitment to deregulation as the primary driver of economic improvement, specifically addressing the escalating issues of housing affordability and high credit card interest rates during a keynote address at the Economic Club of New York. The speech, delivered on Tuesday, served as a defense of his administration's economic policies and a preview of upcoming initiatives aimed at tackling persistent financial pressures faced by American households.

Trump directly linked rising costs in key sectors - housing in particular - to what he characterized as an overabundance of restrictive regulations. He argued that these regulations stifle economic growth by increasing costs for developers, builders, and ultimately, consumers. "We've been working very hard to reduce regulations, which is what's really holding back our economy," the President stated. "We're seeing tremendous growth, and it will be even more tremendous when we unleash the full potential of the American spirit by removing these unnecessary burdens."

The administration has been steadily rolling back regulations across various industries since regaining office in 2025, with a particular emphasis on environmental and financial oversight. Critics argue that these rollbacks come at the expense of consumer protections and environmental sustainability, but the White House maintains that they are essential for fostering a more competitive and dynamic economy.

Beyond housing, President Trump singled out credit card interest rates as another area where deregulation could provide relief. While the Federal Reserve independently controls monetary policy, including interest rates, the administration believes reducing regulations on financial institutions will ultimately lead to increased competition and lower borrowing costs for consumers. This line of thinking, however, has faced scrutiny from economists who point to the correlation between deregulation and increased risk-taking in the financial sector, potentially leading to instability.

Trade Negotiations and a 'Fair' Global Landscape

The President also devoted a significant portion of his address to trade, reaffirming his commitment to securing "tremendous trade deals" that benefit American workers and businesses. He emphasized a desire for reciprocal trade relationships, where other nations treat the U.S. fairly and offer equal access to their markets.

"We're going to be treated fairly," Trump declared. "For too long, this country has been taken advantage of on the world stage. Those days are over. We're demanding fairness, and we're prepared to walk away from deals that don't serve the interests of American citizens."

The administration is currently engaged in ongoing negotiations with several key trading partners, including the European Union, China, and nations within the CPTPP (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership). The focus of these negotiations appears to be renegotiating existing agreements to include provisions that favor domestic manufacturing and reduce trade deficits. While the administration has secured some preliminary agreements, progress has been slow, and concerns remain about potential trade wars and disruptions to global supply chains.

Inflation and Affordability Remain Key Concerns

Trump's appearance comes at a critical juncture as the nation continues to grapple with fluctuating inflation rates and persistent concerns about affordability. While inflation has cooled from its peak in 2024, prices for essential goods and services - including housing, healthcare, and education - remain significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels. This has put a strain on household budgets and contributed to growing economic anxiety among voters.

The President acknowledged these concerns, framing his administration's policies as the best path towards long-term economic stability and affordability. However, the effectiveness of deregulation as a solution to these complex economic challenges remains a subject of ongoing debate. Opponents argue that deregulation alone is insufficient to address systemic issues such as income inequality and the rising cost of living, and that a more comprehensive approach is needed, including investments in education, infrastructure, and social safety nets. The White House, however, maintains that a vibrant and unburdened economy is the most effective engine for creating opportunities and improving the lives of all Americans.