Trump says Walmart cut prices at his request, but Walmart statement omits administration’s role
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump sought to take credit for Walmart’s recent price cuts on Monday, but the retailer’s statement made no mention of the administration’s involvement in the decision.
The president has faced public backlash over rising inflation during his term, following his own tariffs and later rising prices with the start of the Iran war in late February. Here’s how Trump described a recent bipartisan measure to lower housing costs: “a yawn” and tried to blame Democrats for inflation remaining high.
Heading into the November midterm elections for control of Congress, Trump sought to deride Democrats as communists who would allow the government to interfere with private companies. However, in a social media post about Walmart, he said that the business had reduced prices at the specific request of its management.
“I have just learned that Walmart, one of America’s biggest, best and smartest retailers, will be drastically reducing prices at the request of my Administration to celebrate our great country’s 250th birthday,” Trump said. “Walmart will specifically reduce the price of a pound of ground beef by almost 15%, among many other items.”
Walmart has benefited in part from high inflation under the Trump administration, as consumers flocked to Walmart’s stores and website in search of lower prices. Quarterly earnings announced in May.
The price rollbacks at Walmart and Sam’s Club were “designed to help customers and members make the most of the summer season,” the company said in a statement released Monday after the president’s post. There was no mention of any interaction with management, and the company has not commented publicly on Trump’s allegations.
In the statement, attention was drawn to price reductions in ground meat, corn, red cherries, ice cream, potato chips and Coca-Cola and Pepsi products.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, consumer price inflation increased 4.2 percent over the past 12 months; That’s well above the 3 percent rate Trump inherited. Some inflationary pressures may ease as the temporary ceasefire agreement with Iran leads to lower oil prices as more tankers can pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
In May 2025, Trump used Walmart as a barometer of the American consumer and told the company that it should take a step on this issue. “Eating” the cost of tariffs He said he imposed it unilaterally.
“Walmart should stop trying to blame Tariffs for rising prices throughout the chain,” Trump said a little more than a year ago. “Walmart made BILLIONS of DOLLARS last year, much more than expected. Between Walmart and China, as the saying goes, they ‘EAT Tariffs’ and should not be charging valued customers ANYTHING. I’ll be watching and so will your customers!!!”
