Consumer prices in the United States experienced a notable increase, with inflation rising by 0.2 percent in November and reaching 2.7 percent over the past twelve months. This latest Consumer Price Index report directly contrasts with repeated assertions by President Donald Trump that prices are on a downward trend. The president has consistently promoted a narrative of declining costs, even as his administration’s trade policies, particularly reciprocal tariffs, have demonstrably led to higher prices for imported goods.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics released this report following a period of data collection disruption caused by a government shutdown, which had prevented the compilation of October figures. The uptick in inflation is reflected across various essential sectors. The index for food items saw a 0.1 percent rise in the two months leading up to November, contributing to an annual increase of 2.6 percent. Specific products have experienced more significant price hikes, with bananas up 6.7 percent, beef and veal by 15.8 percent, and coffee by 18.8 percent over the last year.

In an effort to mitigate some of the economic impact of these tariffs, President Trump had previously rolled back duties on certain products, including coffee and citrus fruits. However, he has continued to publicly defend the use of tariffs as a strategic economic tool. During a White House address, he emphasized their importance, stating, “Much of this success has been accomplished by tariffs, my favorite word, tariffs, which for many decades have been used successfully by other countries against us, but not anymore.”

The energy sector also contributed to the inflationary pressures, with its index climbing 1.1 percent in the past month and accumulating a 4.2 percent increase over the year. This rise occurred despite the president’s consistent advocacy for expanded oil exploration initiatives. Excluding food and energy, the core inflation rate for all other products increased by 0.2 percent over the two months ending in November.

Further contributing to the rising cost of living, the index for shelter, which includes rent and owner’s equivalent rent, saw a 0.2 percent increase in the past month. Over the last year, rent prices have gone up by 3 percent, and owner’s equivalent rent has risen by 3.4 percent. These figures emerge at a time when other economic indicators suggest a broader slowdown in the U.S. economy.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ November jobs report indicated a modest gain of only 64,000 jobs, with a slight increase in the unemployment rate. President Trump, in a recent address to the nation, reiterated his claims of falling prices and a strengthening economy, stating, “Wages are up, prices are down. Our nation is strong. America is respected, and our country is back stronger than ever before. We are poised for an economic boom the likes of which the world has never seen.”

However, public opinion data suggests a disconnect between the president’s rhetoric and consumer sentiment. A recent NPR/PBS News/Marist poll revealed that 57 percent of respondents disapprove of the president’s handling of the economy, with only 36 percent expressing approval. Furthermore, approximately 30 percent of Americans perceive the cost of living in their area as affordable, a sentiment that contrasts with the president’s dismissal of affordability concerns as a “hoax.”

This discrepancy in public perception is occurring as several Democratic politicians, including New Jersey Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill and New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, have successfully campaigned on issues of economic affordability, highlighting it as a key concern for their constituents.

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Keywords: US inflation, Consumer Price Index, Donald Trump, economic policy, tariffs, cost of living, energy prices, food prices