The claim
“Consumer prices have decreased since the end of the Biden administration.”
The claim was made by Donald Trump on 2 October 2026 during a CNN broadcast, as recorded in the network’s transcript.
Our verdict
False
The claim that consumer prices have fallen since the end of the Biden administration is false. Official inflation data shows prices continued to rise in early 2026.
What we found
We checked the latest Consumer Price Index releases from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and inflation analysis from the Federal Reserve. The BLS national index for March 2026 showed a 3.3% year‑over‑year increase, and the South regional index for August 2026 showed a 3.1% increase. The Federal Reserve also reported rising core inflation and core goods inflation through March 2026. These figures directly contradict the claim of a price decrease.
The evidence
- Contradicts the claim
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the Consumer Price Index for the South region rose 3.1% year‑over‑year as of August 2026, indicating ongoing inflation rather than a price decline.
bls.gov· Consumer Price Index, South Region — August 2026· September 11, 2026 - Contradicts the claim
The Bureau of Labor Statistics national Consumer Price Index release for March 2026 showed a 3.3% year‑over‑year increase, confirming that consumer prices were still rising.
bls.gov· Consumer Price Index News Release - 2026 M03 Results· April 10, 2026 - Contradicts the claim
A Federal Reserve analysis noted that core inflation and core goods inflation were rising through March 2026, with annualised rates of 4.4% and 5.5% respectively.
federalreserve.gov· Measurement of “Computer Software and Accessories” Inflation· May 22, 2026 - Background
A White House statement from December 2025 claimed that consumer prices had declined during President Trump’s term, reflecting the administration’s own narrative.
whitehouse.gov· Democrats Caused High Prices. President Trump Is Bringing Them Down.· December 17, 2025 - Background
In an April 2025 interview, President Trump said grocery and energy prices were decreasing, showing a pattern of similar assertions.
presidency.ucsb.edu· White House Press Release - In Primetime Interview, President Trump Highlights America's Comeback | The American Presidency Project· April 30, 2025 - Background
A January 2024 White House press release stated that core inflation had hit its lowest level in nearly five years and that consumer prices were decreasing, providing earlier context for such claims.
The American Presidency Project· White House Press Release - Trump Delivers: Core Inflation Hits Lowest Level in Nearly Five Years· January 15, 2024
How we checked
We examined official inflation statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Federal Reserve, along with public statements from the White House and previous presidential remarks. We reviewed 7 relevant sources.
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