Claims inflation 'far lower than anybody expected' and has 'stopped' in North Carolina speech
During an economic speech in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, Trump falsely claimed 'inflation is far lower than anybody expected' and repeated his December 17 assertion that inflation has 'stopped.' Government data showed inflation at 2.7% year-over-year for November—a slowdown, not cessation. A late November High Point University poll found 60% of North Carolina voters disapprove of how Trump is addressing inflation, and his national economic approval stood at 36%. The Wall Street Journal reported Trump's 'stopped' claim contradicted the 2.7% figure. The false claims appeared designed to counter evidence that his tariff policies reaccelerated inflation from the 2.3% rate he inherited in January 2025.
“Yesterday, it was announced that inflation is far lower than anybody expected.” — Economic speech in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, December 19, 2025 Quote verified against source
Analysis Feed
AI commentaryTrump's December 19 speech reveals his economic messaging strategy: repeat demonstrably false claims about inflation 'stopping' despite 2.7% year-over-year inflation and his own tariff policies driving prices higher. By claiming inflation is 'far lower than anybody expected,' he attempts to reframe the narrative around relative improvement rather than absolute performance. The strategy becomes desperate when juxtaposed with his 36% economic approval rating and 60% North Carolina disapproval on inflation specifically—voters aren't buying the gaslighting. That he delivered this speech just two days after making identical false claims in his national address shows the administration's commitment to repetition over accuracy.