The president has faced public criticism over inflation remaining elevated during his presidency, as prices initially rose in the aftermath of his tariffs and later with the start of the Iran war in late February. Trump described a recent bipartisan measure to reduce housing costs as “a yawn” and sought to blame Democrats for inflation remaining high.
Ahead of the November midterm elections, which will determine control of Congress, Trump has sought to portray Democrats as communists who would have the government interfere with private companies. However, in a social media post about Walmart, he claimed the retailer had cut prices at the specific request of his administration.
“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 said. “Walmart will, in particular, be dropping the price of a pound of ground beef by almost 15%, among many other products.”
Walmart has benefited in part from higher inflation under Trump, as consumers have turned to its stores and website in search of lower prices, according to its quarterly earnings released in May.
The company, in a statement issued on Monday after the president’s post, said its price rollbacks at Walmart and Sam’s Club “are designed to help customers and members make the most” of the summer season. The statement made no mention of any interaction with the administration, and the company did not publicly comment on Trump’s claims.
The retailer said the discounts covered ground beef, corn, red cherries, ice cream, potato chips, and products from Coca-Cola and Pepsi.
Consumer price inflation has risen 4.2% over the past 12 months, significantly higher than the 3% rate Trump inherited, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Some inflationary pressures could ease as the interim ceasefire agreement with Iran has lowered oil prices, allowing more tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump has previously used Walmart as a barometer of the American consumer, saying in May 2025 that the retailer should “eat” the cost of tariffs he had imposed.
“Walmart should STOP trying to blame Tariffs as the reason for raising prices throughout the chain,” Trump posted a little over a year ago.
“Walmart made BILLIONS OF DOLLARS last year, far more than expected. Between Walmart and China they should, as is said, ‘EAT THE TARIFFS,’ and not charge valued customers ANYTHING. I’ll be watching, and so will your customers!!!”
