Inflation has risen sharply again in the United States, reaching its highest level since 2023. Rising fuel prices, increasing food prices, and criticism of Donald Trump are fueling concerns.

This hadn't happened in nearly three years. The United States recorded a sharp acceleration in inflation on Tuesday, May 12. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 3.8% year-over-year in April, its highest level since May 2023, after a 3.3% increase in March. The price hikes are affecting numerous sectors of the American economy, from fuel and rent to food and airfares.

Energy remains the primary driver of this inflationary surge. Fuel prices have jumped 28.4% year-on-year, while food costs have risen 2.9% year-on-year and 0.7% month-on-month. Beef is among the hardest-hit products, with increases of 16.1% for steak and 14.5% for ground beef. According to Samuel Tombs, an analyst at Pantheon Macroeconomics, this increase "appears to be linked to energy," with producers passing on their higher costs to consumers.

"Short term" for Donald Trump

When questioned by the press, Donald Trump downplayed the situation, claiming that the high inflation was "short-term" and would slow down after the end of the war with Iran. The US president also dismissed the idea that household economic hardship could influence his diplomatic stance. "Not in the slightest," he replied when a reporter asked him if rising prices could accelerate negotiations with Tehran. "The only thing that matters when I talk about Iran is that they can't have nuclear weapons. I don't think about the financial situation of Americans."

These statements quickly provoked reactions from the Democratic opposition, just months before the US midterm elections. A CNN poll published this week indicates that 70% of respondents disapprove of the president's economic policies, despite him having been elected in part on a promise to reduce the cost of living.

The Democratic opposition cries foul.

Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren directly accuses Donald Trump of fueling inflation through tariffs imposed on imports and the US military intervention alongside Israel against Iran since February 28. "Donald Trump promised to lower prices 'from day one.' Instead, he keeps raising them," she stated.

At gas stations, the effects of the conflict in the Middle East continue to weigh on prices. According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), a gallon of regular gasoline now costs an average of $4.50, compared to about $3 before the start of the war. Economist Diane Swonk of KPMG points out that "the rise in prices at the pump comes on top of other energy surcharges dating back to before the war in Iran," notably the increase in electricity prices linked to the high demand from data centers.