Trump's latest inflation claim sends shockwaves through the Republican Party
Republican lawmakers were not pleased after President Donald Trump said he was not concerned about inflation, telling reporters on Wednesday, "I love the inflation."Trump signed the Secure America Act surrounded by GOP leaders in the Oval Office when reporters asked him to respond to rising inflation, which reached its highest level since 2023. In a series of exclusive interviews with Raw Story, several congressional members reacted to the president's comments and skyrocketing inflation hitting the economy.Sen. Ron Johnson (R-MN) was not happy about the inflation spike."I don't like it, nor do the American people," Johnson said. When asked if he was concerned that Trump's comments could impact Republicans, the loyal MAGA senator had a quick response."I'm opposed to inflation," Johnson added.Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) chuckled when Raw Story asked him about the new inflation numbers."Inflation is created over time, and it was a f------ disaster for four years," Tuberville said, arguing that the pandemic had complicated the economy."It's a huge problem," Tuberville said. The longtime Republican lawmaker declined to comment on the president's remarks."No comment," Tuberville added.Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) told Raw Story that he was concerned about the cost of living for Americans."Inflation is a challenge and it puts a real burden on working men and women," Cruz said.Cruz claimed he has seen "significant victories" in driving down the cost of housing and food — but rising costs at the pump remain a problem."But gas prices are up," Cruz said, blaming the Biden administration and citing gas prices from the previous administration, then saying it was a "short-term effect" of the military conflict in the Middle East."I think this war in Iran will be resolved and if we can see a stable government there that is not antagonistic to the United States, I think that will have a long-term downward pressure on gas prices, which would be a good thing. I want gas and I want all of the expenses of everyday life to be affordable to Americans, and more affordable."When asked if Trump would benefit from speaking more clearly — and honestly — to Americans about the affordability crisis, Cruz sidestepped the question."The president can speak for himself and I'm confident he will continue doing so," Cruz added.Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) told Raw Story inflation was "high" and suggested that changing that could come down to the gas tax."That's what's driving the inflation — the energy," Hawley said. "If we took 20 percent off the gas tax, that would be a huge help to people." Hawley said he had not seen or heard Trump's comments yet.Democrats also had thoughts about the president's comment.Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) was stunned by Trump's praise for inflation amid a struggling economy, citing how her constituents have been struggling to pay for groceries and gas."It's crazy, he's out of touch with Nevadans, and I'm sure the rest of the country," she said.
