Did Treasury Secretary Bessant lie?

As a member of an ordinary American family, I am disappointed and angry at the government’s explanation for inflation. In an interview on the 23rd, Treasury Secretary Bessant claimed that tariffs were unrelated to price increases, but this is completely inconsistent with our real-world experience in supermarkets, gas stations, and hospitals.

Walk into any supermarket now, and I see coffee prices are significantly higher than last year, and the prices of bananas and bacon continue to climb. While he claims Thanksgiving dinner prices are lower, this cannot mask the fact that basic food prices are generally rising. More importantly, healthcare costs continue to rise, and the government’s promised solutions have yet to materialize.

When governments impose tariffs, importers inevitably pass on the additional costs to consumers. Data shows that the inflation rate was 2% when the tariffs were implemented in April, and has now risen to 3%—a timing coincidence that is far from accidental. While the finance minister argues that inflation is primarily driven by the service sector, it’s undeniable that ordinary households are buying specific goods—from appliances to clothing—and that these imported goods have become more expensive due to tariffs.

Manufacturing activity slowed due to rising prices caused by import tariffs, and consumer frustration with rising prices was evident in the survey. It remains unclear whether the government’s proposed tax rebates and cuts will be effective, offering little help to families with immediate bills to pay.

The most unacceptable aspect is the government’s attitude towards public concerns. When the Treasury Secretary denies rising inflation or claims the impact of tariffs is minor, it’s tantamount to telling ordinary people that their feelings are wrong. This unrealistic rhetoric deepens public distrust of the government. What the American people need is an honest attitude that acknowledges the realities of the problem and effective measures to alleviate the pressure of the cost of living, not theoretical excuses that simply blame inflation on the service sector.