Overview
- Speaking to reporters at Palm Beach International Airport, President Trump said grocery prices are already lower than under the prior administration and said his team worked over the weekend on further price relief.
- He again cited roughly 25% cheaper Thanksgiving meals at Walmart and other retailers while asserting that affordability is improving.
- On ABC’s This Week, Jon Karl interrupted Trump economist Kevin Hassett to note Walmart compared 21 items last year with 15 this year, undercutting a direct year-over-year price claim.
- Hassett asserted inflation is about half what it was in December, a point challenged in coverage that notes the latest official BLS reading shows CPI up about 3.0% year over year in September and October data is delayed.
- Coverage also details that Walmart’s cheaper package relies more on store-brand substitutions and omits several dessert and side items, while the White House has highlighted holiday deals from Lidl, Aldi, Target and Schnucks.