CNN’s chief data analyst, Harry Enten, inadvertently made headlines with an offhand remark that was captured by a live microphone. This occurred as he awaited his turn to discuss last month’s alarming inflation figures. During a segment on News Central, anchor John Berman was detailing the ‘brutal’ April Consumer Price Index (CPI) report, noting a 6 percent rise in inflation over the past year, when Enten was overheard quietly exclaiming, “Jesus.” Although Berman appeared to catch the remark, he smoothly transitioned to introduce Enten, seeking his insights on a recent CNN poll.
Data Deep Dive
The poll in question revealed that a staggering 77 percent of Americans believe former President Donald Trump’s policies have contributed to an increase in their cost of living. Enten did not hold back in his analysis. “These are the ugliest numbers I have ever seen on inflation,” he declared. He pointed out that multiple polls have shown Trump’s economic approval rating hitting record lows. “The reason why the inflation numbers are so detrimental for Donald Trump is because the public blames him for the high inflation,” Enten explained, contrasting the current 77 percent disapproval with a 40 percent rating from late 2024.
War in the Middle East
Enten continued, “Just look at the comparison to his first term. Back then, did Americans feel he impacted their cost of living negatively?” His analysis highlighted that nearly twice as many Americans now attribute their rising living costs to Trump’s policies. “No surprise he faces the worst polling on inflation in terms of net approval, as the public holds the president responsible for increasing living expenses,” he concluded. While CNN refrained from commenting on Enten’s candid off-script moment, the discussion underscored the significant impact of rising costs, worsened by geopolitical tensions. The Iran conflict and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil shipping lane, have led to soaring oil and gas prices, further fueling inflation. The strait has remained shut since U.S. strikes on Iran began on February 28, affecting global oil markets.
The average cost of a gallon of gasoline jumped to $4.12 at the end of April from $2.94 before the Iran war began. As of writing, it sits at slightly more than $4.50. When asked about CNN’s analysis, White House Spokesman Kush Desai said President Trump ‘has been clear about short term disruptions as a result of Operation Epic Fury.’ ‘The Administration remains focused on implementing the proven Trump agenda of tax cuts, deregulation, and energy abundance to keep America on a solid economic trajectory,’ Desai said. ‘Once the Iranian terror threat is neutralized and traffic in the Strait of Hormuz normalizes, Americans will again see gas prices plummet, real wages grow, inflation cool, and trillions in investments pour in.’
