CNN fact-checker Daniel Dale has identified claims about prices as Donald Trump's "single most politically damaging category of lie," arguing that these falsehoods are readily disproven by voters' own experiences.
In an opinion shared on X, Dale asserted that while many of Trump's false statements require research or prior knowledge to refute, claims about prices are different. "When he lies about prices, even devoted supporters are passively debunking him with their own eyes every day," Dale wrote.
Dale's observation came in response to a New York Times story that explored Americans' increasing distrust and a pervasive feeling of being lied to. This commentary coincides with growing public dissatisfaction over the cost of living, a key issue for Republicans heading into the 2026 midterm elections.
A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll indicated that President Trump's approval rating has fallen to 32%, its lowest point, with only 17% of respondents approving of his handling of the cost of living.