Despite the Upbeat Spin That It's 'Slowed,' Inflation Is Still Crushing Americans

The new CPI numbers came out Wednesday morning, clocking in at a hefty 8.3 percent. Per CNN:

The Consumer Price Index was up 8.3% in the 12 months ended in April, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Wednesday, slightly higher than economists had predicted. It was a decrease from the 8.5% recorded in March, which had been the highest level in more than 40 years.

Note the spin from CNN (and much of the legacy media):

US inflation took a breather last month for the first time since August. Prices still increased, but at a slower pace than in previous months.

I’m not so sure I’d characterize 8.3 percent as “a breather.” I’m with Jim Geraghty on this:

Can you look at these numbers and really characterize it as “inflation took a breather”? https://t.co/0GQftRM4NI

— Jim Geraghty (@jimgeraghty) May 11, 2022

True, it’s not the 8.5 percent of March, but let’s take a look back over the current administration’s tenure, helpfully shared by Senator Ted Cruz’s Special Advisor for Communications, Steve Guest:

Year-over-year inflation since Biden took office:

2021:
Jan: 1.4%
Feb: 1.7%
March: 2.6%
April: 4.2%
May: 5.0%
June: 5.4%
July: 5.4%
Aug: 5.3%
Sept: 5.4%
Oct: 6.2%
Nov: 6.8%
Dec: 7.0%

2022:
Jan: 7.5%
Feb: 7.9%
March: 8.5%
April: 8.3%#BidenInflationCrisis

— Steve Guest (@SteveGuest) May 11, 2022

I’m also not sure that everyday Americans emptying out their wallets at the gas station and grocery store feel like they’re getting much of a breather. As we reported yesterday, gas prices have hit an all-time high. In addition to critical shortages, even when staple items are available, they’re costing us significantly more.

Washington Post economic columnist Heather Long provides a helpful illustration:

Here’s where Americans are seeing big jumps in prices:

Gas +44% y/y
Airfare 33%
Eggs 23%
Utility gas 23%
Used cars 23%
Hotels 23%
Bacon 18%
Chicken 15%
Milk 15%
Furniture 15%
Coffee 14%
Beef 14%
Flour 14%
New cars 14%
Fish 13%
Electricity 11%
Health insurance 10%
Rent 5%

— Heather Long (@byHeatherLong) May 11, 2022

We’re not just seeing them — we’re feeling them. And President Biden’s “assurances” to the contrary, we most certainly are focused on what this administration is — and isn’t — doing in response.

Trust me, the American people would welcome an actual breather. If this .2 percent reduction in the rate of inflation translates into a continued downward trend in the coming months, then great. For now, color me skeptical.