CNN is facing a wave of online criticism after users seized on a viral post claiming the network framed inflation more favorably during President Joe Biden’s term than during President Donald Trump’s administration. The debate ignited after CNN posted a new update on inflation this week, prompting some to dig up past coverage for comparison.
Old Posts Resurface as Users Draw Parallels
In a March 2023 post on X, CNN wrote that “US inflation is still high, but it’s falling,” pointing out that the previous month’s “Consumer Price Index measured 6%, down from January’s 6.4%.”
Fast forward to December 2025 figures, the outlet posted again on X, stating that “US inflation remained at 2.7% in December, underscoring persistent cost of living challenges.”
Daily Wire senior editor Cabot Phillips highlighted both statements side by side, arguing that the tone changed drastically depending on which president was in office. The comparison rapidly gained traction, spreading far beyond political circles.
Critics Say Tone Shift Shows Double Standard
As the post gained momentum, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt jumped in, sharing the viral image with the caption “CNN Fake News.” Her comment poured fuel on the discussion, energizing supporters who believe the media treats each administration differently.
Kari Lake, acting CEO of the U.S. Agency for Global Media, echoed that sentiment, writing, “How the fake news works in one photo.”
Others chimed in with their own interpretations. Emmanuel Rincón, founder of Regional Renaissance Consulting, argued, “For CNN, a 6% inflation rate under Biden was considered good, but a 2% inflation rate under Trump is considered bad.”
Business strategist Evelio Silvera added that CNN used a “completely different tone based on who’s in office, not what the numbers actually show,” saying “people are tired of being lied to and talked to like they’re idiots.” He continued, “Anyone paying attention can see the double standard.”
Another user weighed in, remarking, “Can’t imagine why trust in mainstream media is just gone.”
Alex Triantafilou, chairman of the Ohio Republican Party, linked the contrasting posts to declining media trust, asserting that the way CNN covers “Biden’s runaway inflation compared to Trump’s amazing work to curb it” is the reason “why @CNN and much of the mainstream press is to be totally ignored.”
CNN Remains Silent as Conversation Escalates
As the debate intensified and the viral comparison continued circulating, CNN did not immediately return a request for comment. Meanwhile, critics continued to flood social media with frustration about inconsistent messaging and perceived bias.
