Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) has a simple theory about why everything feels so expensive: the government is making it worse. In a post on X Tuesday, the Florida Republican argued that when the government gets involved in the economy, prices go up, not down.

"Everything the government touches becomes unaffordable," Scott wrote, sharing a video of himself making the case for less red tape, lower taxes, and fewer regulations. "Government needs to get out of the way so hardworking Americans can keep more of their hard-earned money & prices can come down."

In the video, Scott pointed to housing, college tuition, and health care as prime examples of sectors where government intervention has backfired. "Have you ever noticed when government gets involved in things, they say, oh, we're going to fix that," he said. "You know, start to mess around with it. What happens? It goes up in price."

Scott's prescription is straightforward: cut the red tape, slash taxes and fees, and reduce permitting requirements. "Maybe we ought to have less government, more freedom," he said. "Less red tape, less taxes, less fees, less permits … and you will get lower prices and have a chance to live your American dream."

It's a classic free-market argument, and one that resonates with many Americans who feel squeezed by rising costs. But not everyone is buying it.

Democrats Slam Trump Spending Priorities

On the other side of the aisle, Democrats are pointing fingers at Republican spending priorities. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi accused Republicans of prioritizing "endless wars" over domestic needs, citing a reported $73 billion increase in defense-related spending while families face higher costs. She argued the GOP budget reflected "America Last" priorities.

Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) took aim at specific items in the proposed budget, including funding for a White House East Wing ballroom and a $1.8 billion "weaponization fund." She argued that money could instead go toward infrastructure, public health, education, and school meal programs. "Government budgets show leaders' priorities," she said.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) also attacked the spending plans, alleging that billions were being directed toward a "MAGA slush fund" and the White House ballroom project while Americans struggle with affordability. He said Democrats were focused on reducing costs for families.

The back-and-forth highlights a fundamental divide: Scott sees government itself as the problem, while Democrats see the problem as how the government chooses to spend its money. Both sides agree that Americans are hurting from high prices, but they offer very different solutions.