Greene criticizes Trump's economy, links inflation to Iran war spending

Former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) sharply criticized President Trump's recent remarks on inflation, describing them as "absolutely outrageous" and a "punch in the gut" to Americans struggling with rising costs.

During an interview with CNN's Kaitlan Collins, Greene stated that Trump's comment about "loving" the current inflation rates, which have seen the consumer price index (CPI) rise 4.2 percent annually and 0.5 percent in May, was particularly galling given the ongoing war in Iran. She suggested that this statement would negatively impact his campaign, especially in the upcoming 2026 midterms.

Trump, speaking from the Oval Office, had initially responded to a reporter's question about inflation by saying, "No, I love it. The numbers are great." He later clarified to The New York Post that he was appreciative that the CPI figures were not higher and expressed optimism that inflation would decrease further once the war concludes.

House Speaker Mike Johnson defended the president's remarks, telling CNN's Manu Raju that the statement was taken "totally out of context" and that Trump was referring to future comparisons once the conflict is resolved. Greene, once a strong supporter of Trump, has become a vocal critic of his administration.