On May 29, 2026, President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social, claiming that he is making food more affordable and citing decreases in prices for various grocery items such as avocados, fresh berries, and pantry staples. However, the Labor Department's recent inflation report indicated that grocery prices rose nearly 3% in April compared to the previous year.
While Trump's claims about specific items may reflect accurate data, he did not disclose the time frame or the source of his information. The overall trend shows that food prices have increased since his inauguration, with economists predicting continued rises due to factors such as higher diesel fuel prices affecting shipping costs.
The April grocery price increase was the largest in two and a half years, with a 2.9% rise, which is slightly above the 20-year average of 2.6%. In contrast, prior to the pandemic, grocery prices rose by an average of only 1.1% annually.
In his post, Trump highlighted price drops for certain items, including a 19% decrease in avocado prices and a 90% drop in egg prices. However, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a 39% decrease in egg prices from a year ago, which is less than Trump's claim. Factors contributing to these price changes include recovery from avian flu affecting chicken flocks and improved olive oil production after a drought.
Despite some price drops, many grocery items have seen significant increases. For instance, fresh fruit and vegetable prices rose by 6.5% year-over-year, while meat prices increased by 8.8%. Tomato prices surged by 40% after tariffs were imposed on imports from Mexico, and beef prices rose by 15% due to dry weather in the Western U.S.
Consumer confidence surveys indicate that high prices remain a primary concern for Americans, who generally have a negative outlook on the economy. Recent polls suggest that many Americans are dissatisfied with Trump's economic policies, which may influence the upcoming midterm elections.