Inflation Stabilization According to President Trump
President Donald Trump is highlighting new statistics indicating that inflation has remained steady over the past month.
In a social media post, he remarked, “Screw it: US inflation is great (low!).” This statement came shortly after the Bureau of Labor Statistics released the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) data.
The CPI, which evaluates the costs of essential items like gas, groceries, and rent, showed a 0.3% monthly increase in December, maintaining a steady 2.7% compared to the same month last year. The core CPI, excluding fluctuating items like food and energy for a clearer picture of living costs, increased by 0.2% from November to December and was up 2.6% year-over-year.
The timing of these inflation figures is significant as the Trump administration attempts to address growing American concerns regarding affordability. This report preceded the president’s upcoming speech in Michigan, an important state for midterm elections, where he plans to discuss actions to combat rising prices.
During a White House announcement, Trump emphasized, “We’re going to talk about how well the economy is doing. The inflation numbers just came out, and they’re very low.”
Concerns over inflation significantly contributed to Trump and the Republican Party’s sweeping success in the 2024 elections, regaining control of the White House, Senate, and maintaining a House majority.
However, Democrats believe their success in the upcoming November 2025 elections stems from emphasizing affordability. Kendall Whitmer, the DNC’s rapid response director, criticized Trump’s administration, stating, “Donald Trump has already failed to deliver on his promise of an affordable 2026.” She noted that families are struggling with rising costs and a weakening job market, pointing out Trump’s lack of accountability.
Referencing the midterms, Whitmer remarked, “Voters can hold Trump and the Republican Party accountable for harming the economy.”
December’s inflation data, although slightly below economists’ predictions, remains above the Federal Reserve’s target as officials consider potential rate cuts due to Trump’s policies.
Republican National Committee Chairman Joe Gruters claimed Trump has prioritized affordability, highlighting “the Big Beautiful Bill” with no taxes on tips, Social Security, or overtime. He noted drops in gas prices and attributed this focus to everyday financial issues impacting Americans.
As the midterms approach, Gruters expressed confidence that Republicans would succeed due to the president’s policies, but Democrats contested this view. DNC Chairman Ken Martin bluntly stated, “S‑‑t is too expensive,” underlining the cost of living as a critical electoral concern.
Recent polls indicate a majority of people are worried about rising prices, particularly in the wake of inflation spikes post-pandemic, affecting Democrats’ standing during the 2024 elections. Ryan Williams, a Republican strategist, acknowledged progress in reducing inflation but cautioned that significant changes would take time.
Conversely, Democratic strategist Chris Moyer noted that Democrats shifted their approach last year, honing in on affordability issues like healthcare and utilities, which has continued to resonate with voters concerned about living costs.
