Donald Trump still doesn’t seem to have a clear plan to reduce food prices. In January, inflation in the U.S. increased, making groceries, rent, and energy more expensive for Americans.
According to data from the Labor Department, prices rose by 3 percent in January compared to the same time last year. Rent alone accounted for 30 percent of that increase. Heather Long, an economic columnist for *The Washington Post*, pointed out on X that the “core” consumer price index, which excludes food and energy prices, has barely changed since June.
However, Americans are still feeling the pinch of higher prices for essential groceries. For example, the cost of a dozen eggs jumped by 13.8 percent in January, averaging $4.95 nationwide—a 53 percent increase from last year. Egg prices are expected to rise even more due to a widespread avian flu outbreak, which has temporarily closed poultry markets in New York City and pushed the price of a dozen eggs above $12 in some stores during a nationwide shortage.
Donald Trump, however, blamed only one person for the situation. On Wednesday morning, he posted on Truth Social, “BIDEN INFLATION UP!” During his campaign, Trump promised to lower costs for Americans “on day one.” But three weeks into his second term, he has not provided clear answers on how he plans to ease the financial burden on American families.
In a recent interview with Fox News’s Brett Baier, Trump was asked when families might see lower prices for groceries and energy. Baier noted that consumer confidence seems shaky and asked if inflation might get worse before it improves.
Instead of addressing the question, Trump shifted the focus, blaming other countries for rising inflation. He mentioned the U.S. owes $36 trillion and criticized trade deficits with countries like Canada and Mexico, saying he wouldn’t let other nations take advantage of the U.S.
Last week, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that the Trump administration doesn’t have a specific timeline for addressing the high cost of living in the country.
