WASHINGTON — President Trump stepped forward Monday to claim responsibility for recent price reductions at Walmart, but the retail giant’s own statement on the matter made no reference to the administration having any involvement in the decision.
Trump has been under growing public pressure over rising prices during his time in office. Costs initially surged following the rollout of his tariffs, and inflation climbed further after the Iran war began in late February. Trump dismissed a recent bipartisan effort to address housing costs as “a yawn” and pointed the finger at Democrats for the continued rise in inflation.
With November midterm elections approaching and control of Congress on the line, Trump has made a habit of attacking Democrats as government overreaches into private business. Yet in his own social media post about Walmart, he claimed the company had lowered its prices specifically because his administration asked them to.
“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 wrote. “Walmart will, in particular, be dropping the price for a pound of ground beef by almost 15%, among many other products.”
Ironically, Walmart has actually seen business grow under the elevated inflation of the Trump era, as shoppers have flocked to its stores and website looking for deals. That trend was reflected in the company’s quarterly earnings released in May.
After Trump’s post went live, Walmart released its own statement Monday saying its price rollbacks at Walmart and Sam’s Club “are designed to help customers and members make the most” of the summer season. The company made no mention of any White House communication and did not address Trump’s claims directly. The statement highlighted price cuts on ground beef, corn, red cherries, ice cream, potato chips, and Coca-Cola and Pepsi products.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, consumer prices have risen 4.2% over the past 12 months — notably higher than the 3% inflation rate Trump inherited when he took office. Some relief may be on the horizon, as a temporary ceasefire deal with Iran has helped bring oil prices down by allowing more tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump’s relationship with Walmart has been complicated. Just over a year ago, he publicly pressured the company to absorb the cost of his own tariffs rather than pass them along to shoppers.
“Walmart should STOP trying to blame Tariffs as the reason for raising prices throughout the chain,” Trump posted at the time. “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!!!”
