Inflation under Trump – was it a runaway train or a gentle breeze? The reality, as often is the case, is somewhere in between. During his presidency (2017-2021), the US generally experienced moderate inflation.
Looking at the Consumer Price Index (CPI), inflation rates remained relatively stable, mostly hovering around the Federal Reserve's target of 2%. There were periods where inflation dipped slightly below or rose slightly above this benchmark, but no dramatic surges were seen until late in his term, largely attributed to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent supply chain disruptions.
Factors influencing inflation during this time included tax cuts, trade policies (particularly tariffs), and overall economic growth. While some argued that these policies would lead to rampant inflation, the actual data shows a more nuanced picture. The economic impact of these policies, and their contribution to any inflationary pressures, remain a subject of ongoing debate among economists.
