Does the latest United States consumer price index (CPI) report show that Americans are paying more or less for goods? You might be seeing mixed messaging based on the politicians you listen to or what your social media algorithms surface.Some say the numbers show President Donald Trump’s success. Others say the opposite.Every month, the federal Bureau of Labour Statistics publishes the consumer price index, which measures price changes for goods and services, including food, apparel, gasoline and housing. The report is used to assess economic stability and inform policy decisions.Republican Senator Rick Scott of Florida celebrated the July report on the day of its release.“Another month of inflation coming in lighter than expected. That’s GREAT NEWS for Florida families, and another reminder to trust in Pres. Trump!” Scott posted on August 12 on X, alongside a short Fox Business clip about energy and gas price decreases.US Representative Kathy Castor, a Democrat from Florida, had a different take.“Trump is raising your grocery bill to line the wallets of his billionaire friends. Nothing great about this for American families across the country,” Castor wrote in an August 12 X post that included a link to a CBS News story that said in its headline that the index rose in July by 2 …
