Don’t Expect More: How Leaders on Both Sides Have Lowered America’s Expectations

In a recent Cabinet meeting, President Donald Trump defended the economic impacts of his administration’s tariffs on Chinese goods, arguing that minor inconveniences like fewer toys for children could be acceptable trade-offs. He stated, “Maybe the children will have two dolls instead of 30 dolls. Maybe the two dolls will cost a couple of bucks more than they would normally.” This comment was made in the context of justifying the need to correct the U.S.-China trade imbalance, even if it meant American consumers would face higher prices and reduced availability of certain goods.

In an era of economic uncertainty, political gridlock, and cultural polarization, Americans are hearing a subtle but recurring message from their leaders – “don’t expect more -get used to less.” While rhetoric may vary between the left and the right, the outcome is often the same: reduced expectations of what government, institutions, and the economy can or will deliver.

Figures from both parties have contributed to this trend over the past decade.

Donald Trump on Infrastructure Investment (2020)

“We’ll get to it someday, but not now.”  Despite campaigning on infrastructure reform, Trump later shrugged off the issue, reflecting a broader pattern of high expectations being replaced by resignation.

Gavin Newsom on California Blackouts (2020)

“You can’t control the weather, but you can control your behavior.”  Amid rolling blackouts and grid instability, California’s governor called on citizens to reduce electricity usage. Rather than promising infrastructure fixes, the solution was framed as lifestyle adaptation.

Joe Biden on Inflation (2022)

“The idea that we’re going to be able to click a switch and bring down the cost of gasoline is not likely in the near term.”  The President’s candid admission during the height of inflation signaled that Americans should brace themselves for a prolonged period of high prices—framing economic pain as unavoidable, rather than preventable.

Rick Scott’s “Rescue America” Plan (2022)

“If you want more from government, you’d better be prepared to pay for it.”  Scott proposed sunsetting all federal legislation—including Social Security and Medicare—every five years. The underlying message: Americans shouldn’t assume long-term government support will continue unchecked.

Pete Buttigieg on Gas Prices and EVs (2022)

“If you own an electric vehicle, this would not be affecting you.”  During a fuel crisis, Buttigieg’s comments were seen as out of touch—suggesting people should already have made expensive changes, despite supply shortages and affordability issues.

Ron DeSantis on Housing Costs (2023)

“It’s a market issue… people are moving here because we’re doing things right.”  With skyrocketing rents in Florida, DeSantis offered no state intervention—implying that housing unaffordability was simply a sign of success and population growth, rather than a crisis demanding solutions.

From climate adaptation to economic policy and basic services like housing and healthcare, Americans are increasingly being told that sacrifice is the default—not the exception. The framing may be couched in realism or responsibility, but the core idea is the same: expect less from your country, and more from yourself.

This isn’t to say leaders are malicious or indifferent. Rather, it reflects a shift in political imagination—one where bold goals are often replaced with cautious management, and systemic reform is traded for individual resilience.

The bipartisan trend of lowered expectations calls for reflection—not just from elected officials, but from the public. Should we accept less, or demand more? Is realism a sign of maturity, or a mask for institutional failure?

In a time when Americans are told to settle, perhaps the most radical thing we can do is refuse to.