White House Unveils Plan to Address 10 Million Housing Shortage

Apr 14, 2026, 2:25 AM

Hover over text to view sources

A new report released by White House economists indicates that the United States faces a critical shortage of 10 million homes, a situation that could be alleviated through regulatory reforms aimed at increasing home construction. The analysis points to regulatory cuts as a potential solution to stabilize housing prices, enhance home ownership, and spur faster economic growth.

The report, part of the annual Economic Report of the President, outlines how the lack of adequate housing has become a pressing concern for many Americans, particularly younger voters. Following the 2008 financial crisis, homebuilding significantly declined, and this downturn has led to a persistent gap in housing supply. It is estimated that if homebuilding had continued at its historical pace, there would be 10 million more houses available today.

The report highlights that home prices have surged by 82% since 2000, while incomes have only increased by 12%, creating a substantial mismatch that has made home ownership increasingly unattainable for many. The current economic climate, exacerbated by rising inflation and interest rates—particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic—has further complicated the issue, with average 30-year mortgage rates climbing from just under 6% to 6.37%.

To address these challenges, the White House has suggested reducing what it terms the "bureaucrat tax," which adds over $100,000 to new construction costs due to various regulatory requirements such as zoning fees and compliance costs. The report estimates that easing these regulatory burdens could facilitate the construction of an additional 13.2 million homes over the next decade, potentially adding 1.3 percentage points to annual economic growth and supporting approximately 2 million jobs in the construction and manufacturing sectors.

President Trump has already taken steps to mitigate housing costs by signing two executive orders aimed at reducing regulatory burdens and easing mortgage access for smaller banks. However, his administration has faced criticism for not prioritizing housing issues effectively amidst a backdrop of global challenges.

The report also criticizes the green energy housing standards instituted during the Biden administration, arguing that they contribute to increased construction costs. These standards, while promoting energy efficiency, may add up to $31,000 to the price of a new home, potentially delaying any return on investment for buyers for decades.

The analysis underscores the urgent need for a robust housing strategy that includes not only regulatory reforms but also initiatives to stimulate demand-side measures such as rental assistance. The report indicates that a lack of affordable housing is a significant barrier for many families, with nearly one-third of American households now classified as "housing cost burdened," meaning they spend over 30% of their income on housing.

In conclusion, the new White House report presents a comprehensive plan to address the critical housing shortage in the US by advocating for regulatory changes that would facilitate increased home construction. As the nation grapples with rising housing costs and an affordability crisis, these proposals could play a vital role in reshaping the housing landscape for millions of Americans.

Canadian Travel Boycott of U.S. Persists: 14 Months of Declines

The ongoing travel boycott by Canadians against the US continues to show significant declines, with 14 months of data reflecting decreased visits. Factors include rising tariffs imposed by the US and negative political rhetoric from former President Trump, impacting both leisure and business travel.

US Travel Association Blames Politics for TSA Crisis, Calls for Action

The US Travel Association has criticized political stalemates for creating a crisis within the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) amid ongoing government shutdowns. The organization urges Congress to pass a clean continuing resolution to ensure the agency operates effectively and maintains safety for travelers.

Trump and Spanberger Clash Over Virginia's Economic Future

Former President Donald Trump and Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger are engaged in a heated exchange regarding the state's economy. Trump accuses Spanberger of harming Virginia's economic prospects with new taxes, while Spanberger defends her record and criticizes Trump for distracting from national economic issues.

Trump's Focus on War Over Economy Frustrates Republicans

As President Donald Trump shifts his focus from economic messaging to war rhetoric, frustration mounts among Republicans who had hoped he would prioritize economic recovery. Concerns grow over the impact of his tariff policies, leading to rising costs for consumers and fears of a recession.

US-Iran Talks Continue as Trump Claims No Difference on Deal Outcome

Amid escalating tensions and ongoing military actions, US President Donald Trump claims ongoing negotiations with Iran are progressing well. As talks extend into the night, Trump has stated that it makes 'no difference' to him whether a deal is reached.