A familiar media giant is once again at the center of a controversy, as CNN’s coverage of inflation under the Biden versus Trump administrations reveals a stark contrast that many conservatives argue is a clear display of bias.
Story Highlights
- CNN framed 6% inflation under Biden positively, despite economic challenges.
- In contrast, a 2.7% rate under Trump’s administration was criticized.
- This discrepancy has fueled accusations of media bias.
- Conservative commentators have spotlighted this inconsistency.
CNN’s Differing Framing of Inflation Reports
In December 2025, CNN drew criticism for its portrayal of inflation rates under the Biden and Trump administrations. Critics noted that CNN highlighted a 6% inflation rate during Biden’s presidency as a sign of economic recovery, despite its challenges. However, when Trump reported a 2.7% inflation rate, the network was quick to cast a negative light on the numbers. This discrepancy has been seized upon by conservative commentators as a glaring example of media bias.
This inconsistency has brought media bias into the spotlight, especially on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), where side-by-side comparisons of CNN’s coverage have sparked significant debate.
Background on Inflation Rates
Inflation has been a hot topic in recent years, with the post-COVID economy experiencing significant fluctuations. Under Biden, inflation once peaked at 9.1% in June 2022, driven by supply chain disruptions and stimulus spending. By late 2024, rates had declined to around 3%. As Trump began his second term in 2025, the year-over-year inflation rate reported in January was 3.0%, later dropping to 2.7%. The differing media narratives around these rates have further fueled political discourse.
Conservative audiences argue that CNN’s portrayal diminishes Trump’s economic achievements while softening the impact of Biden’s high inflation rates. This narrative plays into broader accusations of media bias and suggests a systemic issue in how economic data is reported.
Impact on Public Perception and Media Trust
The differing portrayals of inflation rates have significant implications for public trust in media. As CNN faces accusations of bias, the network’s credibility is called into question, potentially influencing midterm election discourse in 2026. Many conservatives feel alienated from mainstream media outlets that they perceive as favoring leftist agendas.
This scenario underlines the importance of transparency in media reporting, urging outlets to present economic data without partisan spin. The ongoing debate over CNN’s coverage may encourage more rigorous fact-checking and demand for unbiased reporting in the future.
Sources:
CNN Found Way To Frame Trump’s Tamer Inflation Report More Negatively Than Biden’s
