Falsely claims 'inflation has stopped' while CPI is up 3% and his tariffs drive prices higher
In his December 17 national address, Trump declared 'inflation has stopped,' a claim FactCheck.org rated as false. Government data shows inflation was up 3% for the 12-month period ending in September, and inflation has accelerated in each month since Trump's baseline tariffs took effect in April. Research from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis found tariffs explain roughly 0.5 percentage points of headline PCE annualized inflation. Goldman Sachs analysis shows U.S. companies and consumers are collectively paying 82% of the tariff duties, contradicting Trump's repeated false claims that foreign exporters absorb the costs. CNN noted Trump dismissed affordability concerns as a 'hoax' and erroneously claimed 'we have no inflation' despite rising prices driven by his own trade policy. The false claim came as his economic approval rating hit 36%.
“inflation has stopped.” — National address from White House, December 17, 2025
Analysis Feed
AI commentaryTrump's claim that inflation 'has stopped' is contradicted by his own administration's economic data and the demonstrable impact of his tariff policies. The Federal Reserve research showing tariffs contribute 0.5 percentage points to inflation directly links Trump's signature trade policy to the rising prices he denies exist. By claiming inflation has stopped while implementing policies that drive inflation, Trump creates a gaslighting loop where the problem he claims to have solved is actually worsening due to his actions. The 36% economic approval suggests voters recognize this disconnect.