Fact Check: Trump’s Misleading Claims on Inflation Uncovered

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Fact Check: Trump’s Misleading Claims on Inflation Uncovered

Recent statements made by former President Donald Trump regarding inflation have raised eyebrows for their accuracy. Over a span of three days, Trump voiced numerous claims about varying prices, including groceries, gasoline, and prescription drugs, while attributing the rising costs to Democratic policies.

Trump’s Inflation Claims Analyzed

During post-election discussions, Trump asserted that inflation rates were dramatically lower under his administration. He claimed, “Every price is down,” and emphasized that costs were “way down” compared to the Biden administration. However, these assertions lack factual support.

Overall Price Increased

According to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), average prices rose by 1.7% from January to September 2025. Compared to September 2024, the increase was 3%. This contradicts Trump’s claims that prices had fallen since his return to office in late January.

Inflation Rate Misstatements

Trump’s assertion that inflation was nearly nonexistent with a rate of “2%” is also misleading. In reality, the year-over-year inflation rate stood at 3% as of September. This rate has remained consistent since January, suggesting that inflation persists and has even intensified over the last several months.

Grocery Prices on the Rise

  • Average grocery prices increased by 1.4% between January and September 2025.
  • Specific grocery items saw substantial price hikes, with only a few items like eggs becoming cheaper.
  • Trump’s claim that only beef prices rose is false, as many other grocery items also experienced price increases.

Prescription Drug Prices

Trump made exaggerated claims about reductions in prescription drug prices, suggesting cuts of 200% to 1,200%. While some drug prices have decreased, the notion that prices could drop beyond 100% is mathematically impossible, as a complete 100% reduction would make a drug free.

Gas Prices Misleadingly Stated

Furthermore, Trump’s statements on gasoline prices were inaccurate. He claimed that gas prices had fallen to their lowest in two decades. Current average gas prices hover around $3.08 per gallon, significantly higher than Trump’s assertions of “almost $2” per gallon. This figure exceeds the averages reported in 2020 and early 2021 during the pandemic.

Historical Context on Inflation Rates

Trump’s comment regarding Biden’s administration having the “highest inflation rate in history” overlooks critical historical data. While inflation rates peaked at 9.1% in June 2022 under Biden, this figure was not the highest ever recorded; that title belongs to a rate of 23.7% set in 1920.

Conclusion

The analysis of Trump’s recent claims reveals numerous inaccuracies, particularly concerning inflation and price levels. As inflation continues to be a significant topic for Americans, it is essential to rely on accurate data rather than overstated predictions. The actual figures tell a different story than what was presented.