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Trump's 'Grocery Prices Falling' Claim Faces Scrutiny

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  Published in House and Home on Friday, February 6th 2026 at 5:48 GMT by ms.now
      Locales: Washington, D.C., Multiple, UNITED STATES

Manchester, NH - February 6th, 2026 - Former President Donald Trump's assertion during a New Hampshire rally on Saturday, that "Grocery prices are actually coming down," continues to draw scrutiny and highlights a broader issue of economic misinformation in American politics. While the statement appears simple on the surface, a deeper look at recent data reveals a more complex reality - and underscores the potential impact of such claims on public perception and trust.

The claim, demonstrably false according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), comes at a sensitive time. The Biden administration has been actively touting its efforts to curb inflation, and many American families remain deeply concerned about the rising cost of living. To state, as Trump did, that grocery prices are falling is a misrepresentation of the current economic situation, and experts warn it risks eroding public understanding of key economic indicators.

Data from the BLS's latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report paints a clear picture. While the rate of increase has slowed compared to last year, food prices are still rising overall. Over the past 12 months, overall food prices have increased by 2.2 percent. This seemingly small number masks significant fluctuations within different food categories.

Some items have seen price reductions. Notably, egg prices have decreased by 7.7 percent over the last year, a welcome relief for consumers who experienced dramatic price spikes due to the avian flu outbreak in 2022 and 2023. However, it's crucial to remember that even with this decrease, egg prices remain higher than pre-avian flu levels, meaning consumers are still paying more than they used to.

Looking at other essential food groups, the picture is less encouraging. Meat, poultry, and fish have seen a significant price increase of 7.4 percent. Fruits and vegetables are up 6.1 percent, and even staple items like cereals and bakery products have increased in price by 4.7 percent. These increases are felt acutely by lower-income families who dedicate a larger proportion of their income to food purchases.

The significance of Trump's statement isn't solely about the inaccuracy of the claim itself. It's about the broader pattern of misinformation, particularly regarding economic issues. Experts suggest this deliberate obfuscation can manipulate public opinion, influence voting behavior, and undermine faith in government institutions.

"We've seen a surge in selectively presented or outright false economic data used for political gain," explains Dr. Emily Carter, an economics professor at the University of New Hampshire. "This isn't a new phenomenon, but the speed and reach of social media have amplified its impact. A single misleading statement can circulate widely before fact-checkers have a chance to respond."

The timing of Trump's statement is particularly noteworthy. With the 2026 midterm elections looming, both parties are keen to frame the economic narrative in their favor. The Biden administration is eager to highlight any positive trends, while the opposition seeks to emphasize areas of concern. In this environment, accurate and transparent communication about economic data is more critical than ever.

Rachel Maddow addressed the issue on her show Saturday, discussing the deliberate strategy of presenting incomplete or misleading information to create a false impression. Her analysis pointed to a pattern of Trump selectively highlighting isolated data points (like the decline in egg prices) while ignoring the overall upward trend in food costs.

The long-term consequences of this misinformation trend are potentially serious. A public that is misinformed about the economy is less equipped to make sound financial decisions, and a decline in trust in economic institutions can lead to instability. Combating this requires a multi-faceted approach, including increased media literacy, robust fact-checking, and a commitment to transparency from political leaders.