His immigration and trade policies could also raise construction costs. About 30% of construction workers are undocumented, and many are avoiding work due to fear of immigration raids. The U.S. also imports building materials like lumber from Canada and Mexico. Tariffs on these materials are on hold for now, but the future is unclear.
Housing Costs
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Trump and DOGE want to cut half the staff at the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). HUD oversees affordable housing programs, distributes grants to build housing, and upholds fair housing laws.
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Trump campaigned on lowering the cost of living and making housing more affordable, but his actual policies could end up doing the opposite.