Arizona Representative Eli Crane celebrated Tuesday's inflation report as proof that President Donald Trump's economic policies are delivering results for American families, particularly in rural communities like those he represents.
"President Trump and his team know what they are doing. Imagine that," Eli Crane said in response to the CNN data showing consumer prices rose just 0.2% in July. "Great news for rural Arizonans. This is just the beginning."
President Trump and his team know what they are doing. Imagine that.
Great news for rural Arizonans.
This is just the beginning.
🚨 CNN: "Energy FELL... that was largely driven because of gas prices falling in the month of July."
"Look at that food! This is where people spend their money... flat — 0% — and actually DOWN at the grocery store." pic.twitter.com/2f6NDXjHBc
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) August 12, 2025
— Rep. Eli Crane (@RepEliCrane) August 12, 2025
Although overall inflation was kept under control in July by falling gas prices, last month saw a further increase in the cost of a wider range of goods, indicating that President Donald Trump's high tariffs are being passed on to consumers.
Crane defended the Trump administration's tariff policies, which critics have warned could raise consumer prices, using the inflation numbers. While the July report showed that a broader array of products did become more expensive, suggesting some tariff impacts are beginning to materialize, Crane framed the trade approach as a necessary correction to decades of unfavorable deals.
"The 'trade war' started long before President Trump," Crane stated. "We just finally have a POTUS that is willing to fight back and WIN."
His comments come as economic data shows consumer prices rising 2.7% annually, slightly below economists' expectations of 2.8%. However, core inflation, excluding food and energy, rose to 3.1% annually, the highest rate since February.
Crane's caucus consists mainly of rural Arizona areas, who have been especially supportive of President Trump's trade policies because they believe they will preserve American companies and workers.
Although Crane praised the work overall, analysts point out that the July data portrays a complex picture. The 0.3% monthly increase in core inflation was the largest since January, and analysts warn that Trump's expanded tariff policies may create more price pressures in the coming months as businesses continue passing import costs to consumers.
President Trump's universal tariff strategy has been in effect since the spring, but many additional tariffs only went into effect on August 7, after the July data was collected. Economists say that it takes time for tariffs to show up in consumer prices, suggesting the actual test of Crane's optimism may come in future months.
