Trump says ‘I love the inflation,’ drawing criticism from both parties
6 reported1 unconfirmed
President Donald Trump has made comments dismissing concerns about rising prices, including telling reporters he "loves the inflation" after the Bureau of Labor Statistics released figures showing prices rose at the fastest rate in three years. According to a report from Semafor White House correspondent Shelby Talcott, Trump has repeatedly indicated he is not focused on Americans' economic situation while negotiating with Iran. Talcott said administration officials and Trump allies attribute the remarks to the president's focus on his historical legacy and the Iran war. The comments have drawn criticism from supporters and opponents, baffled some Republicans, and delighted Democrats ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Talcott noted that White House officials have tried to walk back the remarks, and that advisers including James Blair and Chief of Staff Susie Wiles have urged Trump to focus more on the midterms. Talcott said Trump is "unleashed" in his second term because he is not running again, and that his economic messaging is driven by the president himself.
What’s reported
Trump told reporters he "loves the inflation" after the Bureau of Labor Statistics released figures showing prices rose at the fastest rate in three years.
Trump has repeatedly said he is not focused on Americans' economic situation while negotiating with Iran.
The comments have drawn criticism from supporters and opponents, baffled some Republicans, and delighted Democrats.
Talcott said administration officials have tried to walk back Trump's remarks.
Advisers James Blair and Susie Wiles have urged Trump to focus more on the midterms.
Talcott said Trump is "unleashed" because he is not running again and is focused on his legacy.
Open questions
The article does not specify whether Trump's comments will affect the 2026 midterm election outcomes or whether Democrats can effectively use the remarks in their messaging.
Key figures
President Donald Trump
Shelby Talcott, Semafor White House correspondent
James Blair, Trump confidante
Susie Wiles, White House Chief of Staff
Sources: vox.com
