Trump Dismisses Inflation Data as GOP Candidates Distance Themselves

The Bureau of Economic Analysis reported that the Personal Consumption Expenditures price index rose 3.7% over 12 months in July, an increase from the 2.5% rate seen at the start of the current administration. Donald Trump dismissed the findings, claiming that prices are falling rapidly and attributing the high cost of living to his predecessor.

The data has caused friction within the Republican Party ahead of the midterm elections. Senator Susan Collins of Maine criticized the president's tariffs on Canadian goods, arguing they would increase costs for families as businesses pass those expenses to customers. In Kentucky, congressional candidate Ralph Alvarado removed photos and mentions of the president from his campaign website to focus on bipartisan solutions for healthcare and affordability.

Despite these internal tensions, the Republican National Committee confirmed that the president will headline the party's first midterms convention in Dallas next month.