Donald Trump made a bold promise during his campaign to lower prices as soon as he took office. But this week, he admitted that prices are rising, and he’s not taking responsibility, despite his past claims.
In an interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity on Tuesday, Trump acknowledged that inflation is back, but said it wasn’t his fault. “I’m only here for two and a half weeks … I had nothing to do with it,” Trump said.
The Consumer Price Index showed a 3% increase in prices in January compared to the previous year, a rise higher than many expected. Trump quickly pointed the finger at President Joe Biden, even though he had promised in the past that he would bring prices down immediately upon taking office.
“I will immediately bring prices down starting on Day 1,” Trump said in August 2024, as seen in a video shared by progressive outlet MeidasTouch. He repeated similar statements, including one where he promised: “Starting the day I take the oath of office, I will rapidly drive prices down.” Trump even claimed last summer that he would end inflation on his first day and make America more affordable.
Texas Representative Lloyd Doggett (D) has been keeping track of Trump’s numerous promises about tackling inflation.
Once he became president, however, Trump backed off those promises, admitting that it wouldn’t be as simple as he once suggested. He also acknowledged that his plan to impose tariffs on other countries might cause some short-term pain for U.S. consumers.
Trump even dodged a question about the economy during an interview with Hannity after taking office. “Let me get to the economy,” Hannity said. “I’m running out of time.” Trump’s response was blunt: “I don’t care,” and he quickly shifted the conversation to criticize Biden.
But voters are not as forgiving. Recent polls, highlighted by CNN data reporter Harry Enten, show that many Americans want Trump to focus on inflation or the economy, yet two-thirds believe he hasn’t done enough on these issues. Enten warned that if Trump doesn’t address inflation, it could hurt his approval ratings.
“Let me be perfectly clear: If Donald Trump is not careful, inflation will crush his presidency and eat it alive.”
Watch the clip below via MeidasTouch.
Trump during campaign: Starting the day I take the Oath of Office I will rapidly drive prices down
Trump today: Inflation is back…I had nothing to do with it
— MeidasTouch (@meidastouch.com) February 18, 2025 at 9:19 PM
