Fresh economic data from the United States has revealed a rise in inflation, directly contradicting repeated claims from President Donald Trump that prices are falling across the country.
Official Data Tells a Different Story
The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report, released for November, showed that inflation increased by 0.2 percent for the month. More significantly, the annual inflation rate now stands at 2.7 percent for the past 12 months.
This official figure starkly opposes the narrative President Trump has been promoting. During a recent national address, the president insisted that 'wages are up, prices are down' and forecast an unprecedented economic boom under his leadership.
A Broader Economic Slowdown Emerges
The inflation data was not the only indicator suggesting potential economic headwinds. Other figures released alongside the CPI painted a picture of a slowing economy.
Only 64,000 jobs were added to the US economy in November, a notably modest number. Furthermore, the unemployment rate experienced an uptick, moving in the opposite direction to the president's optimistic pronouncements.
Public Sentiment and Political Fallout
The gap between official statistics and presidential statements appears to be reflected in public opinion. Recent polling indicates that a majority of Americans, 57 percent, disapprove of President Trump's handling of the economy.
Perhaps more tellingly, the data on the cost of living reveals a deep-seated public concern. Polling shows that a mere 30 percent of Americans find the current cost of living affordable, highlighting the real-world impact of persistent inflation.
This clash between economic data and political rhetoric sets the stage for continued debate over the true health of the US economy as President Trump continues his campaign for re-election.
