President Trump made a surprise phone call to Senator Elizabeth Warren immediately after she publicly criticized his economic record, marking an unprecedented moment of bipartisan outreach on lowering costs for American families.
Trump Reaches Across the Aisle After Warren’s Challenge
President Trump contacted Senator Elizabeth Warren within hours of her January 12th speech at the National Press Club, where she challenged his administration’s record on reducing family costs. Warren had criticized Trump’s failure to deliver on Day One promises to lower expenses for American households. The call represents the first documented direct communication between the two since Trump’s return to office, despite their historically contentious relationship dating back to 2016.
Warren Pushes for Credit Card Relief and Housing Solutions
During their conversation, Warren urged Trump to champion congressional legislation capping credit card interest rates at 10% for one year, aligning with his recent Truth Social proposal. She also pressed for passage of the bipartisan ROAD to Housing Act, designed to increase housing supply and reduce costs. Warren’s public statement following the call emphasized her willingness to work across party lines when it benefits American families struggling with high costs and limited housing options.
White House Confirms Productive Discussion on Affordability
The White House described the Trump-Warren call as “productive” regarding credit card interest rates and housing affordability, signaling potential bipartisan momentum on economic issues. Warren appeared on Bloomberg TV the following day, confirming the discussion focused entirely on reducing costs for families while declining to share additional details. This rare collaboration comes as both leaders position themselves on populist economic messaging ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, with Warren stating she’s “willing to fight to unrig” the economy.
Trump takes on credit card usury.
Banks are melting down.
APRs at 25 to 30%. Trump wants 10%.He even called Elizabeth Warren.
Her advice: use the leverage. Get it done. pic.twitter.com/ytcyfS2pID— Bannon’s WarRoom (@Bannons_WarRoom) January 13, 2026
Historic Moment Could Signal New Bipartisan Approach
The unexpected outreach breaks years of mutual antagonism between Trump and Warren, who previously clashed over financial regulations and consumer protection. Warren’s challenge during her speech for Trump to “pick up the phone” to Republican leadership appears to have prompted direct presidential engagement instead. This development could reshape how Democrats approach economic populism while providing Trump an opportunity to demonstrate bipartisan leadership on kitchen-table issues that resonate with working families across party lines.
Sources:
Elizabeth Warren says Trump called her after speech criticizing his record on costs