CNN briefly paused its usual coverage to report new economic data that could shape the political debate around President Donald Trump’s economic record.
During the segment, anchor Kate Bolduan was joined by CNN business correspondent Matt Egan, who outlined the latest inflation figures. According to the report, consumer prices rose 2.4% year over year in January. That marked a slowdown from December’s 2.7% rate and came in slightly better than economists’ expectations of 2.5%. On a monthly basis, prices increased by 0.2%, which also beat forecasts.
Egan noted that this represents the lowest annual inflation rate in eight months. He also highlighted core inflation which excludes food and energy because of their volatility coming in at 2.5%. That figure is significant because it is the lowest core inflation rate recorded since March 2021, before inflation surged in the aftermath of the pandemic-era economic disruptions.
The White House moved quickly to frame the numbers as validation of President Trump’s economic agenda. In a statement, officials argued that the administration’s policies had reversed what they described as an “inflation crisis” inherited from the previous administration. The statement also suggested that further economic growth could be unlocked if the Federal Reserve proceeds with interest rate cuts that the president has been publicly urging.
Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly, speaking in a television interview, pointed to a combination of tax policy, deregulation, domestic energy production, and inflation moderation as drivers of economic strength. She said the latest inflation report, along with recent employment data, demonstrates that those policies are delivering results for American workers and families.
President Trump echoed that message in remarks to reporters, calling the economy “unbelievable” and asserting that the United States is currently outperforming other countries economically. He said inflation has been brought “back on track” and suggested the latest figures confirm the progress his administration has made.
Recent labor market data also factored into the broader economic picture. The U.S. added 130,000 jobs in January, and analysts are watching closely to see how inflation and employment trends evolve through 2026. While inflation has moderated from its earlier peaks, economists continue to debate how quickly the Federal Reserve should adjust interest rates and whether the recent improvements will be sustained over the longer term.
The latest report provides encouraging signs for consumers concerned about the cost of living, but policymakers and markets alike will be monitoring upcoming data releases to determine whether the downward trend in inflation continues in the months ahead.
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