CNN Reporter Discusses Recent Inflation and Economic Report
For months, critics predicted that President Donald Trump’s economic playbook—built on his America First philosophy—would drag the nation into higher inflation, spiking prices, and possibly even a recession. But the latest July Consumer Price Index report has thrown cold water on that narrative, and not even CNN could twist the numbers into a negative story.
In Tuesday’s White House press briefing, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt was quick to highlight the data as proof that Trump’s economic approach is delivering for working Americans. Her message was simple: “Ignore the panickers and trust in President Trump.” She pointed to the 1.9% average annual inflation pace in Trump’s first six months as a major achievement, especially against the backdrop of declining prices for essentials.
🚨NEW—WAGES GROW AS INFLATION REMAINS LOW & STABLE
✅Inflation tracking 1.9%
✅Real wages up 1.3%
✅Gas prices down 10% over last year
✅Egg prices down 20% since January“This administration continues to be wholeheartedly committed to putting MORE MONEY back into…pockets.” pic.twitter.com/ijeo1kbckq
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) August 12, 2025
Energy prices fell sharply in July—gasoline dropped nearly 10% from a year ago, and propane prices slid 2.5%. Grocery shoppers saw egg prices down 20% since Trump took office, while shelter inflation hit its lowest point since October 2021. These are not minor improvements; they strike directly at the cost-of-living pressures ordinary households feel every day.
The report also showed wage growth outpacing inflation yet again. Real wages rose 1.3% over the past year, continuing a steady monthly climb since Trump returned to the White House. Small business optimism hit a five-month high, reflecting increased confidence in a stable, growth-oriented economy.
The numbers were strong enough that even CNN found itself reporting them without its usual skepticism. In a segment aired Tuesday, a network correspondent openly acknowledged that energy prices had dropped 1.1% in July—led by a 2.2% fall in gas prices—and that grocery prices ticked down slightly. “Food flat at 0 percent, actually down at the grocery store by .1 percent,” the reporter noted, sounding almost surprised.
🚨CNN is being forced to read President Trump’s inflation numbers — They’re FLOORED.
“Energy fell…because of gas prices falling in the month of July. Look at that food! Flat 0%, and actually DOWN at the grocery store.” pic.twitter.com/Za8dV9KtT1
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) August 12, 2025
This latest report follows another CNN piece from late July crediting Trump’s trade and tariff policies for boosting consumer confidence. That’s a notable reversal from the early warnings of many media outlets and Democratic politicians, who insisted tariffs would fuel runaway inflation.
Instead, the combination of targeted tariffs, energy independence measures, and a focus on domestic production appears to be stabilizing prices while boosting wages.
