Is Donald Trump making almost everything more expensive for the majority of Americans? Where did popular music go and what is the song of the summer 2025?

How many people have to die from the fossil-fueled heat, wildfires, flash floods, and hurricanes before we stop burning fossil fuels?

This is the eighth article in a series of Questions articles about American culture in 2025.

Answer to the first question: Yes, almost everything is getting more expensive. Clothes shopping costs more, food shopping costs more, and even gas at the pump costs more.

From my AI:

“Reports indicate that overall food shopping costs have increased since Donald Trump took office in January 2025.

Here's a breakdown of the information available:

• Overall food prices:

  • The all-items Consumer Price Index (CPI), which measures economy-wide inflation, increased 2.4 percent from May 2024 to May 2025.

  • Food prices increased at a faster rate, rising 2.9 percent from May 2024 to May 2025.

  • The USDA forecasts overall food prices to increase by 3.5% in 2025.

• Specific food categories:

  • Eggs saw a significant price increase, estimated at over 40% year-over-year in the first half of 2025, largely due to avian influenza outbreaks. The USDA projected egg prices to surge by 54.6% in 2025.

  • Beef prices also experienced a sharp rise, estimated between 8% to 10%, attributed to smaller cattle herds. The USDA predicts a 6.3% jump in beef prices in 2025.

  • Coffee prices climbed almost 10% due to tight global supply.

  • Lettuce and tomato prices decreased by more than 6% due to improved growing conditions.

  • Fruits and vegetables (as a category) experienced a 0.5% decrease compared to the same time in 2024.

• Food at home (grocery stores) vs. food away from home (restaurants):

  • Food at home prices were up 2.2 percent in May 2025 compared to May 2024.

  • Food away from home prices increased 3.8 percent in the same period.

  • The USDA forecasts food-at-home prices to rise by 3.3% in 2025.

• Tariffs:

  • Recent tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada, and China have been linked to increased consumer prices, potentially adding approximately 3.0% to costs in the short term, according to a Yale report from April 2025.

In summary, while some specific food items have seen price decreases, the overall trend since January 2025 points to increased food shopping costs for consumers.

US tomato prices likely to rise

US consumers can expect to see an increase in tomato prices due to a new 20.9% tariff on fresh tomato imports from Mexico that went into effect on Monday, July 14, 2025. This tariff replaces the long-standing Tomato Suspension Agreement, which had set a floor price for Mexican tomato imports since 1996.

Here's why this is happening and what it means for consumers:

• Trade Agreement Termination: The US government terminated the Tomato Suspension Agreement, stating it did not adequately protect domestic tomato producers from inexpensive Mexican imports.

• Purpose of the Tariff: The tariffs aim to counteract "dumping," a practice where foreign goods are sold below market value to disadvantage domestic producers. Some American growers support the tariffs, viewing them as necessary to create fair competition.

• Impact on Prices and Demand: It is projected that these tariffs could cause consumer tomato prices to increase by about 10% and demand to decrease by 5%. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, field-grown tomatoes cost approximately $1.70 per pound for US shoppers in May 2025.

• Mexico's Role in the Market: Mexico's primary market for tomato exports is the US. A June report from the US Department of Agriculture suggested that the tariffs would likely lead to reduced imports and higher prices.

• Concerns for Businesses and Consumers: Businesses, especially restaurants and small businesses, are concerned about the financial implications of higher tomato costs. Some are considering different suppliers or increasing menu prices to manage the extra expenses.

The new tariffs on Mexican tomato imports are expected to disrupt the market, resulting in higher prices for consumers and potential difficulties for businesses that heavily rely on these imports.

Changes in clothes shopping costs since Trump took office in January 2025

Since President Trump's inauguration in January 2025, there have been indications of price increases in the apparel and footwear sector, primarily influenced by the implementation of new tariffs.

• Tariffs' Impact: The Trump administration's tariffs implemented in 2025, particularly those affecting clothing and textiles, are projected to significantly impact clothing prices, potentially leading to a 17% increase under all tariffs.

• Observational Data: Data collected from major US e-commerce sites show that while apparel and footwear prices remained relatively stable from February to May 2025, they experienced a slight increase in June, up 1.7% from January.

• Future Outlook: Economists and industry experts anticipate further price hikes in the coming months as the effects of tariffs ripple through the supply chain. One source suggests the cost of Trump's trade policies could reduce the average household's purchasing power by $2,800, with shoe prices potentially rising 15% and clothing 14%.

Based on available information, the average price of gas per gallon in the United States has seen a slight increase since January 2025, when President Trump took office.

Here's a breakdown:

• In January 2025, the national average was approximately $3.12 per gallon.

• As of July 10, 2025, the national average is $3.17 per gallon.

• This represents an increase of around $0.05 per gallon since January 2025, according to AAA data.”

Answer to the second question: Look out onto the music horizon, because 2025 marks the return of popular music! The song of the summer is “Way Of The World” by Noah Cyrus.

Answer to the third question: Nobody else has to die from the fossil-fueled Climate Crisis if we (1) stop burning fossil fuels and (2) prepare for the extreme weather events already baked in to our global climate from over 100 years of burning oil, gas, and coal like there’s no tomorrow.

Watch the Major League Baseball All-Star Game in Atlanta, Georgia on Tuesday, July 15, 2025 to see the lack of planning from MLB to have the big, mid-season event at the outdoors stadium when the fossil-fueled thunderstorm from our hotter planet will likely be raining down on the fans and the players. Also notice all of the oil & gas company advertisements on the baseball players’ uniforms throughout the regular season of America’s pastime. Yes, it’s time to evolve MLB owners: stop advertising the fossil fuels destroying our livable world.

Read more:

https://weather.com/news/trending/video/truist-park-atlanta-weather-tips-for-all-star-weekend

“Stay Cool And Dry During MLB All-Star Events

July 14, 2025

Heading to Truist Park for the MLB All-Star Game, Home Run Derby or MLB Celebrity Softball Game? Make sure you check our Atlanta weather forecast, follow the MLB clear bag policy and pack these weather essentials for hot temperatures and possible thunderstorms.”

- The Weather Channel

https://www.reuters.com/video/watch/idOVEPUCM17/

“U.S. consumer prices rise further in July

July 1, 2025

U.S. consumer price increases slowed in July, but inflation overall remained historically high.”

- Reuters

https://www.cbsnews.com/video/trump-fires-off-more-than-20-letters-to-trade-partners-as-tariff-threats-escalate/

“Trump fires off more than 20 letters to trade partners as tariff threats escalate

President Trump sent tariff letters to more than 20 countries urging them to reach trade deals with the U.S. by Aug. 1, further escalating threats to partners including Canada. Trump also announced a 50% tariff on copper imports.JUL 12, 2025”

- CBS News