Trump highlighted falling core inflation in his SOTU, pointing to a five-year low in some measures. Yet a closer look at everyday life tells a different story:• Electricity prices rose 6.3% in 12 months• Ground beef jumped 17%• Tariffs pushed up prices for furniture, auto parts, and clothesEven if headline numbers look better, Americans still feel the pinch. Nearly half of respondents in the University of MTrump highlighted falling core inflation in his SOTU, pointing to a five-year low in some measures. Yet a closer look at everyday life tells a different story:
• Electricity prices rose **6.3% in 12 months**
• Ground beef jumped **17%**
• Tariffs pushed up prices for furniture, auto parts, and clothes
Even if headline numbers look better, Americans still feel the pinch. Nearly half of respondents in the **University of Michigan survey** mentioned high prices hurting their finances.
The disconnect between economic “talking points” and what people pay at the grocery store may explain why consumer confidence remains near recessionary levels.
How much do political narratives shape perception when lived experience tells a different story?ichigan survey mentioned high prices hurting their finances.The disconnect between economic “talking points” and what people pay at the grocery store may explain why consumer confidence remains near recessionary levels.Question: How much do political narratives shape perception when lived experience tells a different story?