CNN’s chief data analyst Harry Enten delivered a pointed fact-check of President Donald Trump’s economic assertions following the president’s national address on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025. The 18-minute speech, delivered at 9 p.m. EST, presented a rosy picture of the administration’s economic record that Enten quickly dismantled using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Trump, 79, used the national address to claim significant economic achievements during his current term. “When I took office, inflation was the worst in 48 years—and some would say in the history of our country—which caused prices to be higher than ever before, making life unaffordable for millions and millions of Americans,” Trump stated during the address, which he had announced Tuesday afternoon on Truth Social.
Appearing on “The Source” with Kaitlan Collins, Enten presented data that contradicted the president’s characterization of economic progress. He noted that the inflation rate stood at 3 percent in September, citing information from Trump’s own Bureau of Labor Statistics. The CNN analyst emphasized that prices have not fallen according to the broadest measure of the inflation rate.
The unemployment figures painted an equally challenging picture for the administration’s economic narrative. Enten pointed out that unemployment stood at 4 percent in January and has risen throughout the year, reaching the highest unemployment rate since 2021. This contradicted Trump’s claims about job creation and economic growth.
During the address, Trump had touted an outpouring of investments into the United States, claiming these would result in jobs, wage increases, growth, factory openings, and greater national security. However, the employment data Enten presented suggested a different trajectory for the job market under the current administration.
Public sentiment regarding economic conditions reflects widespread dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs. According to polling data cited by Enten, only 20 percent of Americans believe the country is on the right track concerning inflation. Even fewer—just 27 percent—hold positive views about the jobs situation. These numbers underscore the gap between the administration’s messaging and public perception of economic realities.
The economic concerns have taken a measurable toll on Trump’s approval ratings. Enten also appeared on CNN News Central to discuss the president’s overall standing with voters. He noted that Trump’s approval ratings on the economy have dropped significantly since the start of his second term.
The data analyst’s assessment suggested deeper troubles for the administration beyond just economic issues. Trump has spent 281 consecutive days with a negative net approval rating since March 12, 2025. Enten highlighted approval drops across multiple policy areas throughout the year.
“Donald Trump was elected to fix the economy. It was a strength for him during his first term, but at this point, it is an anchor on him,” Enten explained. He added that polls consistently show Trump with a net negative approval rating.
The economic data and polling numbers present a challenging landscape for an administration that campaigned heavily on economic competence. Cost-of-living pressures continue to weigh on everyday Americans, even as the president attempts to frame his policies as successful. The disconnect between official statements and economic indicators like inflation and unemployment creates credibility issues for the White House’s messaging strategy.
Enten’s fact-checking appearance highlighted the role of data journalism in providing context and verification for political claims. By referencing government statistics and polling data, the CNN analyst offered viewers a counterpoint to the narrative presented in the national address, demonstrating how economic indicators can be interpreted differently depending on the metrics and timeframes selected.
The White House has not yet responded to questions about the discrepancies between Trump’s claims and the economic data presented by Enten. As the administration moves forward, these economic indicators and approval ratings may prove crucial in determining political outcomes and shaping public discourse about the president’s performance.