Michael Whatley’s Economic Claims Under Scrutiny
In a recent interview, Michael Whatley, the Republican contender for the U.S. Senate in North Carolina, asserted that inflation has significantly decreased. This statement, made during a Fox News interview on February 24, contrasts with prevailing economic data.
While discussing the economic legacies of President Donald Trump and former President Joe Biden just before the State of the Union address, Whatley remarked, “Hundreds of thousands of jobs in the private sector are being created. Real wages are up year over year, inflation is way down, and GDP is growing. Our economy is starting to move again, and that’s a very important indicator for us.”
However, these claims do not align with current statistics. Though inflation rates have slightly reduced since Trump’s term resumed, prices have still risen. According to recent data, there’s been a 2.4% increase in prices over the past year.
The GDP figures also paint a nuanced picture. While there has been growth, the rate has lessened, dropping from 2.8% in 2024 to 2.2% in 2025. Economists caution that a decelerating GDP could indicate an economy at risk of stagnation and potentially shrinking job opportunities.
Public sentiment reflects these economic concerns. A Quinnipiac poll conducted in December 2025 revealed that 65% of participants view the economy negatively, with nearly half believing it is worsening.
This isn’t the first instance of Whatley portraying the Trump economy positively. He previously stated on the Hugh Hewitt Show that “costs are coming down” and mentioned on the Fox News Rundown podcast that “inflation is dramatically down.”
Meanwhile, Whatley’s Democratic opponent, Roy Cooper, the former Governor of North Carolina, focuses on economic affordability in his campaign. During a February 26 discussion, Cooper highlighted his efforts in job creation and paid parental leave, stating, “I worked with the Republican General Assembly to help create 640,000 new, better-paying jobs in our state. I worked with them to help provide paid parental leave for state employees. I think it’s critical for a U.S. senator to put the people before politics.”
The Cook Political Report has classified the North Carolina U.S. Senate race as a toss-up, signaling a highly competitive contest.
The post Whatley touts Trump economy as prices keep rising appeared first on American Journal News.
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