Trump Says He ‘Loves the Inflation’ | WATCH

By Mahima Katal

Washington, June 11: U.S. President Donald Trump sparked political controversy on Wednesday after saying he "loves the inflation" while responding to new data showing that consumer prices rose 4.2% in May compared with a year earlier.

Speaking to reporters after the release of the latest inflation report, Trump appeared to defend the increase in prices, arguing that current inflationary pressures are largely linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran and its impact on global energy markets.

"You know what I really love? I love the inflation," Trump said, adding that he expects prices to decline once the conflict is resolved.

Donald Trump faces renewed scrutiny over the economy after saying he "loves the inflation" while responding to rising consumer prices in the United States.

The remarks come as inflation remains a key economic concern for American voters ahead of the November midterm elections. During his 2024 presidential campaign, Trump had pledged to rapidly bring down inflation and reduce living costs for consumers.

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Reporter: “Are you concerned, Mr. President, about the latest inflation number which came out this morning?” President Trump: “No, I love it. The numbers were great. You know what I really love? I love the inflation. You know why? Because as soon as this war is over… Did you know we've been taking out millions of barrels of oil? Nobody knows it. You know who doesn't know about it? Iran — until right now. We took out, the other night, 22 ships. Late at night, with no lights.” “That’s why oil is $85 a barrel.”

Trump attributed rising prices primarily to higher energy costs caused by disruptions linked to the Iran conflict. He also claimed that a previously undisclosed operation had helped move more than 100 million barrels of oil through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route for global oil supplies that has faced disruptions since the conflict intensified earlier this year.

According to Trump, the operation enabled more than 200 commercial vessels to transit the strait safely. However, no independent data was immediately available to verify the figures or clarify the exact role played by the U.S. military.

Democratic leaders swiftly criticized Trump's remarks. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer described the comments as evidence of the president's disconnect from the economic challenges facing ordinary Americans. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries also condemned the statement, arguing that it reflected indifference toward rising living costs.

The inflation report showed that consumer prices increased at their fastest annual pace since April 2023. While some categories, including new vehicles, prescription drugs, and auto insurance, recorded monthly declines, overall inflation continued to outpace wage growth, raising concerns about household purchasing power.

The White House maintained that inflation is expected to ease if energy prices decline following a resolution of the Iran conflict.

"President Trump has consistently maintained that oil and gas prices—and thus overall inflation—will fall once the Iran situation is resolved," White House spokesperson Kush Desai said in a statement.

Despite Trump's claims that efforts to facilitate oil shipments were helping stabilize prices, financial markets remained cautious. U.S. crude oil futures rose approximately 4% on Wednesday, trading near USD 92 per barrel amid continued uncertainty surrounding the conflict and regional security concerns.

Economists continue to monitor the impact of energy market disruptions on inflation, with oil prices remaining a significant factor influencing consumer costs across the United States.