As millions of Americans feel the crushing impact of June’s inflation report that noted inflation reached a 40-year high of 9.1%, President Joe Biden celebrates that, while prices on many staples such as food, medical care and housing continue to increase, prices of some other goods have decreased, making July’s inflation rate effectively 0%.
The Daily Wire reports Biden saying, “Today we received news that our economy had 0% inflation in the month of July.”
Biden explained: “Here’s what that means — while the price of some things went up last month, the price of other things went down by the same amount. The result: zero inflation last month. People are still hurting, but zero inflation last month.”
The selective reporting elicited criticism from many Republicans who charge that inflation is still out of control and that the passage of the $740 billion Inflation Reduction Act will only worsen the problem.
The inflation rate when President Joe Biden assumed office was 1.4%.
Though America is facing the highest inflation rate in a generation, today White House officials, including Chief of Staff Ron Klain and Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, celebrated meager gains with Biden.
The tone-deaf messaging prompted Republicans to note the disconnect between what is reported by the White House and the reality of what most Americans experience.
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) posted to Twitter: “The Biden White House is living in a fairytale while Americans are living in a nightmare.”
Gas is up 44% from last year.
— Senator Ted Cruz (@SenTedCruz) August 10, 2022
Electricity is up 15.2% from last year.
Food is the most expensive since 1979.
The Biden White House is living in a fairytale while Americans are living in a nightmare. https://t.co/xsv8uuLjgA
Nathan Brand, Deputy Communications Director for the Republican Party echoed Cruz’ sentiments, saying, “Sure, they’re straight up lying. But this message to voters from Joe Biden is that inflation doesn’t exist… the economy is great… there is nothing to worry about. Being that out of touch just proves they don’t care about families that are struggling.”
Here's the thing…
— Nathan Brand (@NathanBrandWA) August 10, 2022
Sure, they're straight up lying.
But this message to voters from Joe Biden is that inflation doesn't exist… the economy is great… there is nothing to worry about.
Being that out of touch just proves they don't care about families that are struggling. https://t.co/I14x22aMNs
Donald Trump Jr. tweeted: “Inflation is at a near 40 year high — even using the fake government numbers — And the leftwing media is gaslighting us over it because they’re hacks trying to protect Biden and the Dems. Enemy of the people.”
Inflation is at a near 40 year high – even using the fake government numbers – And the leftwing media is gaslighting us over it because they're hacks trying to protect Biden and the Dems. Enemy of the people. https://t.co/8zgA7HsKQY
— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) August 10, 2022
Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also provided a harsh assessment of the White House’s handling of the economy, tweeting: “Our economy is broken when 8.5% inflation is celebrated as ‘progress.’ Grocery prices are up 13% and electricity is up 15%. More spending, more IRS and higher taxes wont make things better. Ending Dem control of Congress this November will.”
Our economy is broken when 8.5% inflation is celebrated as “progress.” Grocery prices are up 13% and electricity is up 15%. More spending, more IRS and higher taxes wont make things better. Ending Dem control of Congress this November will.
— Mike Pompeo (@mikepompeo) August 10, 2022
White House Press Secretary Jean-Pierre recently told reporters:
“The President’s number one economic priority is tackling inflation. And looking ahead, there are a number of reasons why we expect those high prices to ease over the coming months.”