Story perspectives

Trump Administration Faces Backlash Over Inflation Misrepresentation

12/12/2025

Summary

Story summary

In December 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration faced criticism for allegedly misrepresenting inflation data.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt claimed inflation fell to 2.5% from 3.0% inherited from former President Joe Biden.
CNN's Kaitlan Collins and fact-checker Daniel Dale disputed this, saying inflation was 3.0% as of September.
They argued Leavitt used an eight-month average that skewed toward lower earlier rates and misrepresented ongoing inflation.

History

Historical Context

The Inflation Reduction Act, signed into law by President Biden on August 16, 2022, aimed to combat rising inflation, which peaked at 9.1% in June 2022. With $369 billion allocated for climate initiatives, it represents the largest federal investment in climate change. The act's passage reflects ongoing political debates over economic data and public trust, echoing historical challenges faced by previous administrations.

1 of 2

Story summary

In December 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration faced criticism for allegedly misrepresenting inflation data.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt claimed inflation fell to 2.5% from 3.0% inherited from former President Joe Biden.
CNN's Kaitlan Collins and fact-checker Daniel Dale disputed this, saying inflation was 3.0% as of September.
They argued Leavitt used an eight-month average that skewed toward lower earlier rates and misrepresented ongoing inflation.

1 / 2