Politics
New Inflation Data Undermines Democrats’ Attacks on Trump’s Tariff Strategy
By Jake Beardslee · May 13, 2025
New Inflation Report Challenges Trump Tariff Critics
New inflation data released this week has complicated long-standing criticisms of President Donald Trump’s tariff policies, showing price increases moderating rather than accelerating. Tkayne / Wikimedia
CPI Shows Modest 2.3% Annual Inflation in April
According to ABC News, the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report shows that inflation rose just 2.3% in April compared to a year earlier — a slight dip from prior months. benscripps / Pixabay
Democratic Warnings on Tariffs
The figures challenge months of warnings from Democratic lawmakers and commentators, many of whom predicted that President Trump’s tariffs would dramatically raise consumer costs. The White House / Wikimedia
Schumer Predicted $1,200 Hit to Families From Tariffs
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer previously estimated that tariffs could cost the average U.S. family up to $1,200 annually. geralt / Pixabay
Schumer Slams Trump Tariffs: “100% No Sense” and a Betrayal of Cost-Cutting Promises
“These 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico make 100% no sense,” Schumer said. “Even more shocking, it was Donald Trump who campaigned on lowering costs, and now it is Donald Trump who will raise them, and expects consumers to just be OK with that.” Jack Gruber / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Schumer: “Costs Are Going to Climb… Undo This Mess”
“No matter which way you slice it: costs are going to climb for consumers. I will work with my colleagues to undo this mess, get costs down, and get these billionaires out of the way.” Schumer continued. Jack Gruber / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Food and Energy Costs Rise, But Inflation Stays Mild
Although some categories like food and energy saw expected increases, the overall inflation rate remains relatively mild. The Wall Street Journal reported a month-over-month price increase of 0.2%, in line with economists’ forecasts. Gregg Pachkowski/Pensacola News Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Expert Warns Tariff Effects May Be Delayed Despite Encouraging Inflation Data
One expert, Lou Basenese, EVP of Market Strategy at Prairie Operating Co., told Fox Business that while the latest inflation figures offer positive news, it’s still too early to draw sweeping conclusions. “I will give a little disclaimer, alright, that this is the first time there could be any tariff impact,” he said. webandi / Pixabay
Expert: Inflation Numbers Are a “Huge Sigh of Relief”
“But if we really look at it, businesses could still be selling off pre-tariff inventory. We want to see this trend continue, but I tell you, it’s a huge sigh of relief,” Basanese continued. Pexels / Pixabay