Trump Claims Inflation Defeated Amid Poll Showing Rising Costs

President Donald Trump claimed from the Oval Office and the United Nations General Assembly that inflation has been defeated and that prices for energy and groceries have decreased. White House spokesperson Kush Desai supported these assertions, stating that real wages are rising and inflation is trending toward a 2.3 percent annualized rate.

These administration claims contrast with a Harris poll published by The Guardian, which found that 74 percent of Americans saw their regular monthly household expenses increase by at least $100 over the last year. The poll also indicated that approximately 54 percent of surveyed Americans believe the economy is in a recession.

Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a 2.9 percent annual inflation rate for August, the first report issued after the full implementation of most of the president's tariffs. Additionally, CNN fact-checker Daniel Dale reported that electricity and grocery prices have actually increased, contradicting the president's statements.