Trump claims clash with inflation and prices | JQJO

After Democrats scored wins on affordability, Trump and his team flooded the airwaves with rosy claims that clash with recent data. Trump said prices are “down substantially,” while NEC Director Kevin Hassett insisted groceries are cheaper. Government figures show 3 percent inflation in September, a 0.3 percent monthly rise, and grocery prices up roughly 2.7 percent year over year. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent dodged questions about Trump’s promised $2,000 tariff “dividend,” even as tariffs raise costs. The White House’s post touting a cheaper Thanksgiving and a $3 gas drop leans on shaky comparisons and misleading wording.