Key facts
- Democrats are blaming President Donald Trump for rising inflation.
- The CPI rose 0.6% in September, following a 0.4% rise in August.
- The annual inflation rate stood at 3.7% in September.
- House Democrats and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized Trump's economic policies.
- The White House cited economic growth and stable food prices.
Democrats are intensifying their criticism of President Donald Trump regarding inflation ahead of the midterm elections, while the White House points to economic growth. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased by 0.6% in September, following a 0.4% rise in August. Over the past 12 months, the index has risen 3.7% before seasonal adjustment.
House Democrats, including Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar and Whip Katherine Clark, have publicly stated that Trump's economic policies have led to soaring costs for families. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer also criticized Trump's economic record, attributing rising prices to his policies. However, a White House official countered that President Trump is actively reducing inflation, which they described as astronomically high under the previous administration, and noted that food prices have remained stable month-over-month.
Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg also weighed in, blaming Trump's "war, tariffs, and corporate tax breaks" for the increased cost of living. White House spokesman Matthew Middleton stated that President Trump's pro-growth agenda has mitigated the inflation crisis, boosted economic growth, and created jobs.