As we approach the midterm elections, many on the Left have accused President Donald Trump of policy decisions and actions that have negatively affected the U.S. economy and led to affordability issues for voters. But is this really the case?

The relationship between debt and income is an indicator of economic health and affects affordability. The calculation of household debt service payments (the total required principal and interest payments made on outstanding mortgage and consumer debt) as a percentage of disposable personal income quantifies the effect of both debt and income on households.