Donald Trump recently commented that he loved the “inflation” after a rise in U.S. consumer prices, sparking backlash. In response, Hillary Clinton shared a meme on social media, mocking the President’s remark.
Hillary Clinton takes a jibe at Donald Trump’s ‘inflation’ remark
On X (formerly Twitter), Clinton shared a side-by-side picture of Marie Antoinette and Trump. Highlighting the quote typically attributed to the former, which she likely never said, “Let them eat cake,” and the latter’s comment, “I love the inflation,” she asked, “Who said it best?”
Recently, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that last month, the Consumer Price Index for all urban consumers increased by 0.5 percent, seasonally adjusted. They also shared that it rose by 4.2 percent, which wasn’t seasonally adjusted. Before this, the price index reportedly shot up by 3.8% in April. This was due to rising energy costs—the result of the US and Israel’s war with Iran.
While addressing reporters about the latest inflation number, Trump said he “loved it,” adding, “The numbers were great.” He continued, “You know what I really love? I love the inflation.” His reasoning for his stance was that the issue would “come down like a rock” once the war with Iran concluded. This is a reference to the government’s efforts to get oil ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz (via NBC).
Trump’s comments sparked backlash from the Democratic Party. New York Senator Chuck Schumer called him out for causing rising prices and “making the affordability crisis he created even worse.” Meanwhile, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand wondered if Trump was happy about working-class people struggling and losing money.
Following this, Trump clarified what he was trying to say in an interview with The New York Post. He said he loved that inflation wasn’t higher. He also predicted that the 4.2 percent annual rate would be as high as prices get in relation to the war.
“I love the inflation numbers because of what I’m talking about,” he shared. “The numbers are going to be phenomenal because what’s showing is that despite the fact that we’re in a war, the numbers are much lower than anticipated, and when we’re out of that war, the numbers will be at lower numbers than they were even before it started.”
