Fact Check: "Inflation remained tame with only a 0.1% rise from April."
What We Know
The claim that inflation rose by only 0.1% from April to May 2025 is supported by data from the Consumer Price Index (CPI) released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. According to the CPI News Release, the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased by 0.1 percent in May 2025, seasonally adjusted. This increase follows a 0.2 percent rise in April 2025. The overall inflation rate for the year ending in May was reported at 2.4% (not seasonally adjusted) (CPI Summary).
Additionally, the index for all items less food and energy also rose by 0.1% in May, indicating that the increase was consistent across various categories of consumer goods (CPI Home).
Analysis
The data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics is considered a reliable source for economic statistics, as it is the principal federal agency responsible for measuring labor market activity, working conditions, and price changes in the economy. The CPI is a widely used indicator of inflation and is based on a comprehensive survey of prices for a basket of goods and services consumed by urban households.
While the claim accurately reflects the reported 0.1% increase, it is essential to contextualize this figure within broader economic trends. For instance, the increase in inflation rates has been relatively modest compared to previous years, where higher rates were observed. The report indicates that the inflation rate for the year ending in April was 2.3%, which was the smallest increase since February 2021 (Reuters). This suggests that while inflation is present, it has not escalated significantly in recent months, supporting the characterization of inflation as "tame."
However, some sources, such as UPI, indicate that inflationary pressures may still exist due to factors like tariffs and global economic conditions, which could influence future inflation rates. This highlights the complexity of inflation dynamics, where a single month's data might not fully capture ongoing trends.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that inflation remained tame with only a 0.1% rise from April is accurate according to the latest CPI data. The reported increase aligns with the official statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which shows a modest rise in consumer prices. This suggests that while inflation is present, it has not surged significantly in recent months, supporting the assertion of a "tame" inflation environment.
Sources
- Consumer Price Index News Release - 2025 M05 Results
- CPI Home : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Consumer Price Index Summary - 2025 M05 Results
- US consumer prices rise moderately; tariffs expected to fan inflation
- Annual PCE inflation for April was 2.1%, in line with expectations
- 2025 CPI and Inflation Data for the United States
- CPI inflation report May 2025: U.S. inflation rises 0.1%