Senator Elizabeth Warren delivered a pointed speech at the National Press Club on Monday, directly accusing President Donald Trump of failing to address rising costs that negatively impact Americans. Noting that Trump has “done not one damn thing” to alleviate housing prices, Warren ridiculed him for his lack of action on legislation aimed at boosting construction.
Her criticisms went so far as to label Trump a “wannabe dictator,” emphasizing her frustration with his absence in discussions on pressing issues. “Where is Donald Trump?” she queried, highlighting his engagement with other topics, like the Epstein files, rather than essential economic reforms.
In an unexpected turn, Trump reached out to Warren soon after her speech. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt characterized the conversation as “a good call” and reaffirmed Trump’s willingness to talk with anyone about issues that matter. This was notably the first time Trump initiated a phone conversation with Warren, who has often been the target of his scorn, including his infamous moniker “Pocahontas” referring to her claims of Native American heritage.
Following their dialogue, Warren echoed her call for Trump to advocate for legislative reforms. She stated that Congress has the capability to pass a bill capping credit card interest rates, provided Trump actively supports it, and she urged him to persuade House Republicans to advance the bipartisan ROAD to Housing Act, which seeks to address housing shortages and affordability issues.
Warren reiterated her stance during a Q&A, expressing readiness to champion Trump’s proposal to limit credit card interest rates to 10 percent—a move she believes could significantly benefit working families. However, she also criticized Trump for being “missing in action,” particularly regarding his engagement with the relevant housing legislation that already garnered unanimous support in the Senate but stalled in the House, led by Republican Speaker Mike Johnson.
Throughout her address, Warren emphasized the need for Democrats to adopt an economic populist message, advocating for measures that would break the influence of wealthy corporations and support the working class. She framed Trump’s approach as lacking genuine commitment to improving affordability, suggesting that this could be a focal point for Democrats leading into the 2026 midterm elections.
This unusual moment between Warren and Trump might signal a shift in their long-standing hostility, potentially opening doors for bipartisan efforts on housing and economic reform. Whether this will evolve into a genuine collaboration remains to be seen, but it highlights a rare opportunity for dialogue during a time of increasing financial strain for many Americans.