NOVEMEBR 10, 2026
There has been a noticeable jump in the price of groceries as American families struggle to cope with the cost-of-living crises caused by the military conflict with Iran caused by President Donald Trump.
According to Tuesday’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures published by the U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics (BLS), the general level of prices rose by 0.4 percent from last month. This was a little higher than economists had forecast which was a rise of 0.3 percent. Meanwhile, prices of goods excluding food and energy rose by 0.3 percent, again ahead of forecasts which had called for a rise of 0.2 percent. The BLS could not publish a figure for the year-on-year change in prices as there was a government shutdown last year.
However, the chief economist at Navy Federal Credit Union, Heather Long, estimates via social media that inflation in the last year has likely been around 4 percent. Prices have risen “a lot” in the price of groceries, with eating out, utility bills, transport – particularly flights -, rent and health-care prices all rising sharply. Economic data has shown that prices have risen across several areas including agricultural products as the fuel and fertiliser price have soared due to the military conflict with Iran.
Ben Zipperer, an economist at the Economic Policy Institute commented on how real wages have fallen consistently since February. As the military conflict was not approved by Congress it explains why people are struggling to keep their money going further due to falling real wages, Zipperer explained. This would have impacted results of the recent midterms where Democrats gained majority in the house and senate.
Professor Justin Wolfers at the University of Michigan said that real wages have been flat while Donald Trump has been in charge. When the conflict with Iran started there was a large jump in prices. “Real wages… what your wages buy you have been falling,” Wolfers said. “That’s why people feel like they are slipping backward. The economy is not supposed to function this way.” It shouldn’t be happening.
Even Kevin Hassett, the Director of the National Economic Council who usually views things positively was forced to admit the bad news from the figures. He said during a Fox Business interview “It’s a disappointing report.” Prices of energy goods have increased by 20 percent year-on-year with petrol soaring by 37 percent. This has meant that there are evident knock on effects across the economy.
Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) commented on the CPI figures saying they show why voters went with Democrats. “From his expensive tariffs to his reckless war, Trump has only escalated inflation.” And he freely admits he couldn’t care less. We will work tirelessly to cut costs for every American.
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