Trump says he 'likes inflation': For the second month in a row, prices have risen faster than Americans' incomes.

According to data published on June 10, the consumer price index in May was 4,2%, compared to 3,8% in April. Food prices rose particularly noticeably, writes The Washington PostThe war with Iran is the main contributor to rising prices, but trade tariffs and drought are also playing a role. However, Trump, surprisingly, "likes" inflation, reports NBC News.

Americans have begun to pay noticeably more for groceries, especially fresh vegetables and baked goods.

"Several factors have converged and are reinforcing each other," said Colorado State University agricultural economics professor Dawn Tilmany, commenting on the rise in food prices.

A sharp rise in fuel prices has increased the cost of transporting fresh produce and beef. These goods are shipped in refrigerated trucks, which consume more fuel.

"You pay not only for transportation, but also for maintaining the required temperature," she explained.

On the subject: Gasoline prices won't drop until fall: 14 ways to save on fuel

In May, baked goods, including sweet rolls, coffee cakes, donuts, cookies, and muffins, saw particularly significant price increases. Compared to April, prices for ham and eggs also increased.

Lettuce saw the biggest price increase: in May, its price increased by 16% compared to April and by 24% compared to last year. Like tomatoes, a significant portion of lettuce in the US comes from abroad during the winter. Only certain areas, such as parts of California and Arizona, can grow it year-round, but they are currently experiencing water shortages.

Some goods, including Mexican tomatoes, remain expensive due to trade tariffs of approximately 17%. These tariffs were imposed after Donald Trump last year canceled an agreement that had stabilized the market.

In May, tomato prices fell slightly (by 6%), but compared to 2025, they are still 32% higher.

Overall, fresh fruits and vegetables have increased in price by 6% compared to last year.

Beef prices in May fell slightly compared to April, but remain 13% higher than a year ago. Many farmers are struggling to replenish their herds, which they have been reducing over the past two years. In some regions of the US, drought is exacerbating the situation: pastures are in poor condition, affecting production, according to the National Beef Producers Association.

High coffee prices are almost entirely due to tariffs, Tilmany noted. The United States produces virtually no coffee beans, with the exception of the Kona region of Hawaii.

It remains unclear when the situation will begin to improve. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route, continues to push up oil prices. Meanwhile, despite Trump's statements, the US and Iran remain far from reaching a peace agreement.

However, on June 11, Trump unexpectedly spoke positively about inflation. Asked by reporters whether he was concerned about new statistics showing that inflation rose last month to its highest level since early 2023, he, on the contrary, praised the data.

"The numbers are great. You know what I really like? I like inflation. You know why? Because as soon as this war is over… when the war is over, it's going to go down, it's going to collapse like a stone," he said.

Democrats reacted sharply to these remarks. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Elizabeth Warren accused Trump of not caring about rising living costs for Americans.

Trump later claimed his words had been misrepresented. Speaking to the New York Post, he clarified that he had meant something entirely different: he said he was "happy" that inflation hadn't exceeded those figures. He added that they were "significantly lower than expected" and predicted a sharp decline in prices after the war's end.

Trump said the current level of inflation would peak during the war with Iran, which began on February 28.

House Speaker Mike Johnson also said Trump's comments were "completely taken out of context." He noted that there are "many positive economic indicators," though he acknowledged that gasoline prices remain a sore point for Americans: for the second month in a row, inflation has risen faster than incomes.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that real average weekly earnings fell 0,2% last month and 0,7% from a year earlier. This is the largest annual decline since February 2023.

Last month, Trump declared that he was "not thinking at all" about the financial situation of Americans while negotiations on a possible peace deal with Iran were ongoing. On May 12, he said, "The only thing that matters" is that Iran "must not get a nuclear weapon." A few days later, the White House chief reiterated his position, calling this "perfect language" that he was willing to use again.

During his campaign, Trump promised to reduce inflation, which had risen during the Joe Biden administration. Specifically, he claimed he could cut energy prices in half within a year of returning to office.

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NBC News polls show that the economy, particularly inflation, remains a key issue for voters ahead of the November midterm elections. In April, only 32% of Americans approved of Trump's handling of inflation, while 68% expressed dissatisfaction.

In April, Trump's approval rating reached its lowest level in his second term. Respondents cited the economy as the top concern.

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