Trump Claims Credit for Walmart Price Cuts Amid Inflation Pressure
President Donald Trump claimed credit Monday for a new round of Walmart price cuts on groceries and household items, but the retailer's own announcement made no mention of the administration's involvement in the decision.
Walmart said Monday it was reducing prices on thousands of items across its stores, website and Sam's Club locations, framing the move as a summer savings push covering grilling staples, produce, drinks, apparel, toys and outdoor items. Sam's Club is cutting prices on more than 250 items, including chicken wings, hot dogs, ground beef and pork ribs.
Trump's Claim
Shortly after Walmart's announcement, Trump posted on Truth Social that the company was lowering prices "by a lot" at his administration's request to mark the country's 250th anniversary. "I have just been informed that one of the biggest, best, and smartest Retailers in America, Walmart, will be lowering prices, by a lot, at my Administration's request to celebrate our great Country's 250th birthday," Trump wrote.
He specifically cited a nearly 15% price cut on ground beef and encouraged other retailers to follow Walmart's example, calling the company and others he hoped would join it "absolute Patriots."
Walmart's Statement Doesn't Mention Trump
Walmart's official statement, issued the same day, made no reference to Trump or his administration. The company instead attributed the price reductions to its broader strategy of helping customers manage costs during the summer season. Walmart Executive Vice President Julie Barber said in the statement that "customers count on Walmart to deliver the value they need every day, and summer is no exception."
A Walmart spokesperson declined to comment specifically on Trump's claim, and the company confirmed to CBS News that the price cuts had actually taken effect the previous week, before Trump's post. Walmart's statement also noted reductions on corn, red cherries, ice cream, potato chips and Coca-Cola and Pepsi products, with some items like corn dropping as much as 63% and fresh cherries nearly 50%.
Part of a Larger Pattern
Trump has frequently pointed to Walmart as a barometer for the health of the American economy under his administration, and his relationship with the retailer has been contentious at times. About a year ago, Trump publicly criticized the company for citing his tariffs as a reason for raising prices, writing at the time that Walmart and China should "eat the tariffs" rather than pass costs onto customers.
The latest exchange comes as Trump faces continued pressure over inflation, which has climbed 4.2% over the past 12 months, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a notably higher rate than the 3% level he inherited. Price increases have been attributed in part to his tariff policies and to rising energy costs tied to the conflict with Iran earlier this year. With midterm elections approaching, Trump has sought to highlight visible, consumer-facing price drops as evidence that inflation is easing, while also blaming Democrats for the inflation that remains.
Walmart, for its part, has benefited in some respects from the broader inflationary environment, with more consumers turning to the retailer in search of lower prices, according to the company's May earnings report. Walmart President and CEO John Furner said on that earnings call that the company had roughly 7,200 price rollbacks in place, part of an effort the company began in the second half of last year.
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