In a speech that left even supporters questioning its purpose, former President Donald Trump declared on Wednesday night that he was successfully "bringing those high prices down" and doing so "very fast." However, the latest government statistics tell a starkly different story, revealing an ongoing affordability squeeze for households.
Official Data Paints a Different Picture
The November report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), released Thursday morning, directly challenges Trump's assertions. The data shows the overall index for food increased by 2.6% over the last 12 months. The breakdown reveals significant pressure in key categories: meat, poultry, fish, and eggs rose 4.7%, while nonalcoholic beverages climbed 4.3%. Cereals and bakery products saw a 1.9% increase, and fruits and vegetables edged up 0.1%.
The only category showing relief was dairy and related products, which decreased by 1.6%. However, specific essentials saw dramatic jumps. As noted by CNBC, the inflation rate for uncooked beef roasts hit approximately 21% for November. Coffee prices surged 19%, and banana prices were up 7% compared to the previous year.
The Real-World Impact on Consumers
This official data aligns with what polls have indicated about consumer strain throughout the year. A Politico survey conducted by Public First in November found that 50% of Americans report struggling to pay for food. A separate report from The Century Foundation this month, based on a survey of 1,426 registered voters, found two-thirds are switching to cheaper groceries or buying less food to manage costs.
The burden is not shared equally. Working-class Americans, Black communities, and younger adults are disproportionately affected. The Century Foundation report stated that 34% of respondents skipped a meal in the past year, a figure that rises to 44% among Black Americans and 54% for adults under 30.
A Contradictory Narrative on Affordability
Trump's messaging on the cost-of-living crisis has been inconsistent. While making grocery prices a central campaign theme, he has also dismissed the crisis as a "hoax" on various occasions while claiming credit for perceived improvements. In a November Truth Social post, he highlighted a specific Walmart Thanksgiving dinner deal as evidence prices were falling, proclaiming "AFFORDABILITY is a Republican Stronghold."
Yet, he has simultaneously accused Democrats of "making up" the numbers. In a reportedly irate November exchange with reporters, he claimed, "Our energy costs are way down. Our groceries are way down... Everything is way down, and the press doesn't report it."
Despite this narrative that the problem is solved and underreported, the polling suggests the public isn't convinced. The same Politico poll found that 55% of Americans hold the Trump administration responsible for increased costs, a view shared by 22% of his own voters. The tangible reality at the grocery store checkout appears to be overriding political rhetoric for many consumers.
