“Consumer prices have decreased since the end of the Biden administration.”

TrumpSpeechOctober 2, 2026Read the original

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 numbers

Year‑over‑year consumer price changes (2026)

The data show ongoing inflation rather than a price decline.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics; Federal Reserve

The evidence

3 of 6 sources contradict the claim; none support it.

Contradict 3Support 0Background 3

When each source was published

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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