On November 7, 2025, President Donald Trump met with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban at the White House, where they discussed various topics including the war in Ukraine and Hungary's acquisition of Russian oil. Trump has repeatedly asserted that grocery prices are decreasing, despite evidence to the contrary. Inflation for food items has risen by 3.1% since Trump initiated his trade war in April 2023, compared to a 1.8% increase during Joe Biden's final year in office, as analyzed from Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

The tariffs implemented by Trump affect a wide range of products from numerous countries, including those with which the United States has free trade agreements. Essential items such as coffee, bananas, sugar, and seafood have experienced notable price hikes due to these tariffs. Unlike other topics where misinformation may go unchecked, grocery prices are a tangible issue that affects most Americans on a regular basis.

Economist Justin Wolfers from the University of Michigan stated that the president's claims about lower prices are unfounded, suggesting a lack of concern for the cost of living. Following disappointing results for Republicans in recent elections, public sentiment indicated that economic conditions were deteriorating, with over 80% of Americans expressing stress over grocery prices.

During a White House dinner with Central Asian leaders, Trump expressed frustration that Democrats were perceived as more competent on economic issues. He claimed that energy and grocery costs were decreasing, despite evidence to the contrary, and criticized the media for reporting what he termed false narratives.

When questioned about tariffs, Trump provided lengthy responses that did not directly address the issue of who bears the cost of tariffs. He maintained that tariffs serve as a defensive mechanism for national security and economic stability, asserting that they prevent the United States from going bankrupt. However, Erica York, vice president of federal tax policy at the Tax Foundation, noted that tariffs are raising costs for American consumers and will continue to diminish their purchasing power as long as they remain in place.