Analysis
What the official said
“I’m the lowest of the last 10 presidents on inflation.”
Claimant: Donald J. Trump President of the United States
Agency or office: The White House
Context
The chart Trump highlighted shows cumulative inflation trajectories through month 48 for each presidential term. Because Trump’s second term had only 18 months of data at the time, the chart freezes his line at month 18 while other administrations’ lines continue to grow, making his term appear lowest at month 48 despite not having comparable full-term data.
Evidence
The claim is false. The chart Trump cited compares Trump’s first 18 months of his second term to full four‑year inflation totals for prior terms, which is not a like‑for‑like comparison. Using Bureau of Labor Statistics CPI data over the same 18‑month span (January 2025–July 2026), prices grew 4.34%; by that metric Trump ranks fourth highest among the last 10 presidential terms (higher than most predecessors). Only Biden (12.27%), George H.W. Bush (7.67%) and George W. Bush’s second term (5.90%) had higher 18‑month inflation rates. Thus the statement that he is the lowest of the last 10 presidents on inflation is misleading and incorrect.