BLS data: U.S. inflation slowed — Not Surged — After Trump’s Tariff Rollout

In recent days, a social-media post has claimed that inflation “picked up” under President Donald Trump, citing a roughly 3% rise and pointing to higher grocery prices since he announced new tariffs in April. But official government data tells a different story.

According to the latest report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the U.S. “Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers” rose just 2.3% in the 12 months ending April 2025. That’s down from 3.4% in the 12 months ending April 2024, meaning inflation actually slowed over that year.

The data also show that while gasoline prices have dropped near four-year lows, averaging about $2.95 per gallon, other categories remain expensive. Food-at-home prices rose 2.0% over the past year; overall food costs rose 2.8%. Meanwhile, energy costs fell 3.7% yet utility costs (natural gas, electricity) still rose, and housing (shelter) remained a major inflation driver.

A number of economists caution that tariffs recently imposed may not yet have fully impacted the CPI numbers, meaning inflation for goods could increase later this year.

So, while Americans may be paying less at the pump and seeing modest relief in some categories, the claim that inflation “picked up” under Trump since April is inconsistent with official CPI data. Inflation has decelerated but rising living costs remain a concern, especially for housing, utilities, and groceries. The next CPI releases over the summer will be critical to watch for any reversal driven by trade or tariff effects.

Follow The Coffman Chronicle on NewsBreak for daily breaking political coverage.