President Donald Trump used his Wednesday night presidential address to argue that his administration has rapidly lowered prices, saying the economy is being brought “back from the brink of ruin.” He compared current costs to those under former President Joe Biden, pointing to gasoline, groceries, airfare and hotels as evidence.
However, the latest available federal data shows a more mixed picture, with some claims exaggerated or lacking clear support.
Gas Prices
Gasoline prices did reach a record high under Biden in June 2022, averaging just over $5 per gallon. The current national average is about $3, representing a significant drop from that peak.
But when comparing prices year over year, the decline is far smaller. According to the most recent Consumer Price Index data, gas prices were down only 0.5% from September 2024 to September 2025.
Airfare
Trump claimed airfares are falling quickly, but federal data does not support that assertion. Airline fares were up 3.2% in September compared to a year earlier, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Hotel Rates and Car Rentals
Hotel room prices have seen a slight decrease, down 0.8% over the past year. Car rental prices also declined, falling 5%, based on BLS figures.
Groceries and Eggs
The president said grocery prices are coming down and claimed egg prices have dropped 82% since March. In reality, the average price for a dozen Grade A eggs fell from a record high of $6.23 in March to $3.49 in September — a decrease of about 43%.
Egg prices were heavily influenced by avian flu outbreaks, which drove earlier spikes.
Meat and Coffee Costs
While some grocery items have eased, others continue to rise. Overall meat prices increased 8.5% over the past year, with beef prices hitting record highs after jumping 14.7%.
Coffee prices were not mentioned in Trump’s address, despite rising nearly 19% over the past year. Analysts note that tariffs, including those targeting Brazil, contributed to higher prices, though the White House recently moved to exempt coffee from those duties.
Bottom Line
While certain prices, such as gas from its historic peak and egg prices from earlier highs, have declined, broader inflation data shows many everyday costs remain elevated or have increased over the past year, complicating the president’s claims of across-the-board price drops.
For more on this story, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.