On February 20, 2026, President Donald Trump is set to take the stage in Rome, Georgia, at 4pm ET, aiming his remarks squarely at two issues that have been at the forefront of American minds: affordability and the state of the US economy. The visit, part of a recent swing through key states including Iowa and Michigan, comes at a time when fresh economic data and a series of policy actions are painting a new picture of the American housing market and broader financial landscape.
Earlier in the day, President Trump toured a factory in northwest Georgia and sat down for a podcast interview, underscoring his administration's effort to connect directly with both workers and voters in the region. The president’s itinerary and the topics on his agenda have been widely covered, with live broadcasts available on major cable news outlets like FOX News, CNN, MS Now, and political talk channels such as POTUS Politics, SiriusXM Patriot, SiriusXM Progress, and NBC News NOW. The widespread media attention signals the high stakes and public interest surrounding his remarks.
Trump’s visit comes as the administration touts a series of economic wins, particularly in the housing sector. According to newly released data from Freddie Mac, mortgage rates have now fallen to their lowest level since September 2022. This drop, as highlighted by Freddie Mac in its latest Primary Mortgage Market Survey, is more than just a statistical blip. "This lower rate environment is not only improving affordability for prospective homebuyers, it’s also strengthening the financial position of homeowners," the agency stated, emphasizing the broader impact on American families.
The numbers back up the optimism. The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate has dipped to a new multi-year low, making monthly housing payments the most affordable they’ve been in over two years. Mortgage affordability, according to the National Association of Realtors’ Housing Affordability Index, has climbed to its highest level since March 2022, marking seven straight months of improvement. That’s no small feat in a market that has seen its share of volatility in recent years.
But it’s not just mortgage rates that are turning heads. Apartment rents have declined for six consecutive months, reaching their lowest point in four years. For renters and would-be buyers alike, that’s a welcome relief. In 2025, a notable 62% of homebuyers managed to purchase properties at a discount to the original listing price—the highest share since Trump’s first term, according to the data. This trend suggests that buyers are finding more leverage in negotiations, and perhaps that sellers are motivated to move properties in a competitive market.
Refinancing activity has also surged, with applications up a staggering 132%. This means more homeowners are locking in lower rates and saving thousands of dollars annually—a boon for household budgets. Home purchase applications have risen nearly 10% over the last year, signaling renewed confidence among buyers. Builders, sensing the shift, are accelerating construction, with housing starts hitting a five-month high. All told, these developments paint a picture of a housing market that, for the first time in a while, seems to be firing on all cylinders.
These positive trends haven’t happened by accident, the administration argues. President Trump has taken a series of executive actions designed to further reduce costs and expand access to homeownership. Among the most significant: he directed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to purchase $200 billion in mortgage-backed securities, a move aimed at driving down borrowing costs even further. This intervention in the secondary mortgage market is intended to keep money flowing and rates low for everyday Americans.
Another notable policy: the administration has prohibited large institutional investors from buying up single-family homes—properties that, critics argue, should be available to families, not just investment firms. This step is designed to level the playing field for individual buyers and prevent corporate interests from dominating the market. Additionally, the Trump administration has barred illegal aliens from accessing taxpayer-backed mortgages, ensuring that these resources are directed to U.S. citizens, a move that has drawn both praise and criticism depending on one’s political perspective.
In a further bid to streamline the housing market and cut red tape, the administration eliminated the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing rule. According to the White House, this change is saving Americans tens of millions of dollars annually and giving local communities more autonomy over housing decisions. The move has been celebrated by those who see it as a reduction of federal overreach, while some housing advocates have expressed concern about the potential impact on fair housing enforcement.
The broader economic context is equally important. The administration remains committed, it says, to combating inflation, supporting job creation, increasing housing supply, and promoting long-term prosperity. These goals, officials argue, are critical to ensuring that all Americans have the opportunity to own their own homes and achieve financial security. The recent improvement in the Housing Affordability Index and the uptick in both home purchase and refinance applications are cited as evidence that these policies are bearing fruit.
Yet, as with any major policy initiative, there are voices of both support and skepticism. Supporters of the president’s approach argue that decisive action and deregulation have helped unlock the housing market and made homeownership more attainable for millions. They point to the surge in refinancing, the drop in mortgage rates, and the decline in rents as proof that the market is moving in the right direction. "This lower rate environment is not only improving affordability for prospective homebuyers, it’s also strengthening the financial position of homeowners," Freddie Mac reiterated, highlighting the dual benefit for buyers and those already in their homes.
Critics, meanwhile, caution that some of the administration’s moves—such as barring certain groups from mortgages or eliminating fair housing rules—could have unintended consequences or exacerbate existing inequalities. They warn that while headline numbers look good, it’s important to ensure that gains are broadly shared and that vulnerable populations are not left behind. The debate over the proper role of government in the housing market, and the balance between regulation and free-market principles, remains as lively as ever.
As President Trump prepares to address the crowd in Rome, Georgia, the stakes are clear. With affordability and the economy top of mind for many Americans, the administration is betting that its record—and its vision for the future—will resonate with voters. Whether the recent gains in the housing market translate into lasting prosperity remains to be seen, but for now, the numbers and the narrative are both moving in a direction the White House is eager to highlight.
With live coverage spanning major networks and political talk channels, all eyes are on Georgia as President Trump makes his case for continued economic progress and a stronger, more accessible housing market for all Americans.