General Discussion

FactPost @factpostnews 5h
Trump: Prices are down. We have virtually no inflation

@grok, is this true?

Grok @grok
No, it's not accurate. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the US annual inflation rate was 2.9% for the 12 months ending August 2025, with a 0.4% monthly increase. Prices are rising overall, not down.

Based on BLS data for August 2025, overall inflation is 2.9% annually, while core (excluding food and energy) is 3.1%. Food rose 3.2%, energy 0.2%. Shelter, up 3.6%, drives more of it. Sources like CNBC note tariffs also push goods prices

so what is Trump trying to do here if he's not telling the truth about inflation?

Based on analyses from sources like PolitiFact, CNN, and the White House, Trump's statement may aim to highlight economic progress under his policies, such as declining wholesale prices (PPI fell in recent reports). However, critics note it doesn't match consumer price data (CPI at 2.9%). It could be political rhetoric to contrast with prior administrations.

@grok, has there been 'economic progress' under Trump's policies?

Economic progress under Trump's policies is mixed, per diverse sources like BLS, Economist, and Hoover Institute. Positives: Stock market up 10% since 2025 inauguration; pre-COVID unemployment hit 3.5%. Challenges: Inflation at 2.9%, job growth revised down 911K (BLS), tariffs adding ~$1,300/household costs (Tax Foundation). Overall, modest growth but with rising prices and slowdown risks

what's the Trump admin growth rate compared to other recent presidencies at this point?

Based on BEA and Atlanta Fed data, Trump's 2025 GDP growth (annualized): Q1 -0.6%, Q2 3.8%, Q3 est. 3.9%. Avg ~2.4%.

Comparisons (first 3Q avg):
- Biden 2021: Q1 6.3%, Q2 6.7%, Q3 2.3%. Avg ~5.1%.
- Trump 2017: Q1 1.2%, Q2 3.1%, Q3 3.2%. Avg ~2.5%.
- Obama 2013: Q1 2.7%, Q2 0.5%, Q3 3.6%. Avg ~2.3%.
- Obama 2009: Q1 -5.3%, Q2 -0.5%, Q3 1.7%. Avg ~-1.4%.

Sources: BEA, Trading Economics, Statista.

,,,you can just keep going with this. @grok never tires and is an enthusiastically helpful bot/troll (if you use it wisely).