Fox News Anchor Bret Baier Corrects Donald Trump on Inflation Numbers
Baier stated the inflation rate is closer to 2.4 percent, contrary to Trump's claim of 1.7 percent.
Fox News anchor Bret Baier fact-checked former President Donald Trump on Wednesday, correcting a claim made about inflation figures during a rally in Montana.
During his program 'Special Report,' Baier stated that Trump's assertion of bringing inflation down to 1.7 percent from 19 percent was inaccurate. Baier noted that the current inflation rate is "actually closer to 2.4 percent." He then presented a graphic illustrating that overall prices had risen by 3.7 percent in the past year.
Baier highlighted that economic costs have been a central theme in the current election cycle, citing polls that indicate rising costs as a significant concern for voters. He also displayed a graphic showing a decline in President Trump's approval rating on the issue of inflation, dropping to 22 percent from 35 percent in the previous year.
During a panel discussion following Baier's segment, Wall Street Journal reporter Meridith McGraw commented that Americans are not persuaded by the administration's economic talking points. Baier referenced a Fox News poll indicating that Democratic congressional candidates are currently leading Republican candidates, a development occurring shortly after a previous instance where a Fox News correspondent, Peter Doocy, questioned Trump's claims regarding potential military actions ahead of the midterm elections.
McGraw added that voters are "really frustrated with how the White House has handled issues like inflation." Baier acknowledged the argument that the high inflation rate Trump inherited could be attributed to the pandemic.
The report also mentioned upcoming rally appearances by Vice President Kamala Harris in several states later in the month. The next official inflation numbers are scheduled for release on November 10, which is after Election Day.
This is not the first time Baier has publicly addressed claims made by Trump. In August, after Trump criticized a Fox News correspondent on social media, Baier responded live on air, defending his reporter and clarifying the context of a segment regarding Iran.
Baier emphasized that his program reported Trump's own statements that he was not looking to meet with Iran and that the Strait of Hormuz remained open, while also noting that negotiations were occurring.