President Donald Trump has sparked reactions after appearing to welcome the latest rise in inflation, arguing that economic conditions would improve significantly once the ongoing conflict in the Middle East comes to an end.
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on Wednesday, Trump was asked about the latest Consumer Price Index figures, which showed annual inflation rising to 4.2 percent from 3.8 percent the previous month, the highest level recorded since April 2023.
“No, I love it,” Trump replied. “The numbers were great. You know what I really love? I love the inflation.”
The president linked his comments to U.S. military actions around the Strait of Hormuz, claiming Washington had secretly helped move large quantities of oil into global markets while disrupting Iranian operations.
“You know why? Because as soon as this war is over,” he said. “We’ve been taking out millions of barrels of oil. Nobody knows it. You know who doesn’t know about it? Iran, until right now.”
Trump alleged that U.S. forces recently escorted ships through the strategic waterway after damaging Iranian radar capabilities.
“We took out the other night, 22 ships. Late at night, with no lights. Because they don’t have any radar because we blasted the crap out of it,” he said.
Later on Wednesday, the president posted on Truth Social that he had authorised the military to carry out what he described as a secret mission aimed at protecting commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
“Today, I am pleased to announce that this effort has resulted in more than 100 MILLION Barrels of Oil making its way through the Straight, and into the Open Market,” Trump wrote.
“More than 200 Commercial Ships have safely traveled through the Strait. This wildly successful effort is because the UNITED STATES of AMERICA CONTROLS the Strait of Hormuz — NOT Iran. Their military is defeated, and their economy is lost. It’s over for Iran!”
The president expressed confidence that oil prices and inflation would decline sharply once hostilities end.
“When the war is over? It’s coming down. It’s going to come down like a rock,” he said.
Despite his optimism, forecasts from the U.S. Energy Information Administration suggest fuel prices may remain elevated. The agency now projects average gasoline prices of $3.64 per gallon in 2027, higher than earlier estimates.
Trump’s remarks quickly drew criticism from Democrats.
Chuck Schumer reacted on social media, writing: “Trump really said, ‘I love the inflation.’ On camera. For all of America to hear. His contempt for you knows no bounds.”
Similarly, Katherine Clark said: “Trump just admitted he ‘love[s] the inflation’. He loves making your costs skyrocket. He loves being $4 billion richer at your expense.”
However, Mike Johnson defended the president, arguing that his comments had been taken out of context and were intended to highlight expected economic gains once geopolitical tensions ease.
Johnson told reporters that “it’s going to be great to have that number and compare it to what comes next when we get these situations resolved.”
The debate comes as inflation and the cost of living remain key political issues ahead of upcoming elections, with recent polling showing growing voter concerns about the economy.
