Trump defends inflation spike, says ‘I love the inflation’

US President Donald Trump has defended a rise in inflation to 4.2%, arguing that the figures were better than expected despite ongoing tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran.

United States President Donald Trump has reacted to fresh economic data showing that inflation climbed to 4.2 per cent in May, the highest annual rate recorded in the country in three years.

According to Tribune, figures released by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) on Wednesday showed consumer prices rose 4.2 per cent compared with the same period last year, up from 3.8 per cent in April.

The increase was driven largely by higher energy costs, with gasoline, electricity and other fuel-related expenses recording significant year-on-year jumps.

Despite the rise, Trump struck an upbeat tone while speaking at the White House.

“I love it. The numbers were great. You know what I really love? I love the inflation,” the president said.

The remark sparked attention, prompting Trump to later clarify his comments during an interview with the New York Post.

“I love the inflation numbers because of what I’m talking about,” Trump said. “The numbers are going to be phenomenal because what’s showing is that despite the fact that we’re in a war, the numbers are much lower than anticipated, and when we’re out of that war, the numbers will be at lower numbers than they were even before it started.”

Trump maintained that inflationary pressures would ease once tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran subside.

“When this conflict is over… you will see oil drop to where it was before,” he told reporters.

The latest BLS report marked the third consecutive monthly increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), a key measure of changes in the prices consumers pay for goods and services.

Beyond energy, the report also recorded increases in airline fares, medical care, communication services, recreation and other consumer expenses, underscoring the continued pressure on household budgets across the United States.