Trump’s Bold Claims on Economic and Border Progress
President Donald Trump has touted a series of accomplishments since taking office in January 2025, including a reported 93% reduction in illegal border crossings, gas prices hitting a four-year low, egg prices dropping by $1.80 per dozen, and inflation falling to 1.8%. These claims, widely circulated on social media platforms like X, have sparked both praise from supporters and skepticism from critics, with some alleging that mainstream media outlets are ignoring these achievements.
The administration’s narrative paints a picture of a thriving economy and a secure border, attributing these gains to policies such as increased tariffs, energy deregulation, and strengthened border enforcement. However, a closer examination of the data reveals a more complex reality, with some claims holding up better than others.
Border Crossings Down Significantly
One of the most striking claims is the reported 93% reduction in illegal border crossings. Data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection supports a significant decline, with “encounters” of migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border dropping to 7,181 in March 2025 and 8,346 in February 2025, the lowest monthly figures since records began in 2000. By comparison, encounters averaged around 140,000 per month in early 2024 under the Biden administration.
[](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy5rd35wg4ro)This sharp decrease is attributed to enhanced border security measures, including increased deployments of National Guard troops to high-traffic areas and cooperation with Mexico, which has sent thousands of troops to its northern border and extradited alleged cartel leaders to the U.S. Supporters, including figures like Representative Wesley Hunt, have hailed these efforts as a historic win for border security.
[](https://www.factcheck.org/2025/05/pro-trump-tv-ad-overstates-his-second-term-economic-record/)Critics, however, argue that the numbers may be inflated or temporary, pointing to seasonal fluctuations and the need for sustained data to confirm long-term trends. They also note that policies like third-country deportations remain contentious and could face legal challenges.
Gas Prices: A Four-Year Low?
Trump’s claim that gas prices are at a four-year low has drawn scrutiny. According to AAA, the national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline was $3.17 in April 2025, down slightly from $3.20 at the start of the month but up from $3.12 when Trump took office on January 20, 2025. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) forecasts an average of $3.10 per gallon for the summer of 2025, which would be the lowest inflation-adjusted summer average since 2020.
[](https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/23/politics/price-of-eggs-gas-trump-fact-check)[](https://www.factcheck.org/2025/04/trumps-false-claims-about-gas-egg-prices/)While gas prices have seen a modest decline, claims of prices as low as $1.98 in some states are unsubstantiated, with the lowest recorded price being $2.19 at a Texas station in April 2025. The White House’s assertion of “record lows” in “Middle America” also lacks supporting data. Analysts attribute the slight decline to lower global oil demand, partly due to concerns over Trump’s tariffs slowing economic growth, rather than solely domestic policy.
[](https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/23/politics/price-of-eggs-gas-trump-fact-check)[](https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2025/04/23/politics/price-of-eggs-gas-trump-fact-check)[](https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/17/politics/fact-check-trump-grocery-prices-down/index.html)
Egg Prices: A Mixed Picture
The claim that egg prices have dropped by $1.80 per dozen is contentious. Retail egg prices spiked to $6.23 per dozen in March 2025, a 25.7% increase from $4.95 in January, driven by an avian flu outbreak that decimated poultry flocks. However, April 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows a significant 12.7% monthly drop in consumer egg prices, the largest since 1984, bringing prices closer to $5.43 per dozen.
[](https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/23/politics/price-of-eggs-gas-trump-fact-check)[](https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/13/business/egg-prices-trump-inflation)Wholesale egg prices have fallen more dramatically, from $6.55 per dozen on January 24 to $3.30 by early May, a roughly 50% decline. This drop, attributed to easing avian flu pressures and imports from countries like Turkey, has not fully translated to retail shelves due to contractual lags and grocers’ reluctance to lower prices immediately. Thus, the $1.80 reduction claim aligns with recent trends but overstates the consumer experience as of March data.
[](https://abcnews.go.com/Business/trump-egg-prices-falling-experts-claim-misleading/story?id=121312087)[](https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/18/business/egg-prices-trump/index.html)
Inflation at 1.8%: Fact or Fiction?
The assertion that inflation has fallen to 1.8% is not supported by available data. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) reported a 2.4% annual inflation rate in March 2025, down from 2.8% in February, marking a six-month low. More recent claims of 1.8% appear to stem from social media posts rather than official reports, with some citing core inflation (excluding food and energy) at 2.8% in March. April CPI data, released in May, indicates inflation eased to around 2%, with grocery prices dropping 0.4% and eggs falling 12.7%.
[](https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-grocery-prices-going-down-what-we-know-2060263)[](https://www.factcheck.org/2025/05/pro-trump-tv-ad-overstates-his-second-term-economic-record/)[](https://www.whitehouse.gov/articles/2025/05/four-year-low-prices-for-essentials-fall-as-workers-see-relief-in-president-trumps-economy/)While inflation has cooled, economists warn that Trump’s 10% global tariffs and 145% tariffs on Chinese goods could drive prices higher, potentially offsetting these gains. The White House attributes the cooling to deregulation and tariff revenue, but critics argue that pre-tariff data skews perceptions of current trends.
[](https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-grocery-prices-going-down-what-we-know-2060263)
Media Silence or Selective Coverage?
Supporters, including X users like @RodDMartin and @CrazyVibes_1, have accused the media of ignoring these achievements, claiming “crickets” from mainstream outlets. However, major outlets like CNN, BBC, and The New York Times have extensively covered Trump’s claims, often debunking exaggerated figures. For instance, CNN and FactCheck.org have highlighted inaccuracies in Trump’s egg and gas price claims, while acknowledging the border crossing reduction.
[](https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/23/politics/price-of-eggs-gas-trump-fact-check)[](https://www.factcheck.org/2025/04/trumps-false-claims-about-gas-egg-prices/)The perception of media silence may stem from differing emphases. Outlets critical of Trump focus on tariff-related risks and rising retail prices, while conservative media and social platforms amplify the administration’s narrative. This divide fuels accusations of bias, with each side curating stories to fit their audience’s worldview.
Economic Context and Tariff Concerns
Trump’s policies, including deregulation and tariffs, are central to his economic strategy. The White House claims tariffs have generated significant revenue without raising consumer prices, citing a 0.4% drop in grocery prices in April. However, economists like Brendan Duke warn that tariffs could push inflation toward 5% by year’s end, potentially negating recent gains.
[](https://www.whitehouse.gov/articles/2025/05/four-year-low-prices-for-essentials-fall-as-workers-see-relief-in-president-trumps-economy/)[](https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-grocery-prices-going-down-what-we-know-2060263)The avian flu’s impact on egg prices and global economic concerns affecting oil prices add complexity. While some staples like rice and tomatoes have seen price drops, overall grocery prices rose 2.4% year-over-year in March, challenging claims of broad declines.
[](https://abcnews.go.com/Business/trump-claims-grocery-gas-prices-falling-experts-misleading/story?id=121410734)
Public and Political Reactions
Social media posts on X reflect strong support among Trump’s base, with users like @WesleyHuntTX and @RepLuna celebrating the reported achievements as evidence of a “Golden Age.” Critics, however, argue that the administration cherry-picks data, ignoring rising retail prices and potential tariff fallout. Economists like David Bieri emphasize that inflation, even at 2.4%, means prices are still rising, not falling.
[](https://abcnews.go.com/Business/trump-claims-grocery-gas-prices-falling-experts-misleading/story?id=121410734)The polarized reactions highlight a broader divide in how Americans perceive the economy. Supporters see Trump’s policies as delivering on campaign promises, while detractors warn of long-term risks, particularly from trade policies.
Looking Ahead: Sustaining the Gains
The Trump administration faces the challenge of sustaining these reported gains amid global and domestic pressures. Continued border security efforts, including cooperation with Mexico, could solidify the reduction in crossings. However, egg prices remain volatile due to supply chain issues, and gas prices are subject to global oil market fluctuations. Inflation, while cooling, could rise if tariffs increase costs for imported goods.
Public perception will likely hinge on whether retail prices reflect wholesale declines and whether media coverage bridges the gap between competing narratives. As April CPI data continues to shape the economic conversation, the administration’s ability to deliver tangible relief will be closely watched.
Conclusion
President Trump’s claims of a 93% reduction in border crossings, gas prices at a four-year low, egg prices down $1.80 per dozen, and inflation at 1.8% have sparked a heated debate. While border security data supports significant progress, claims about gas, egg prices, and inflation are less clear-cut, with recent declines tempered by earlier spikes and tariff concerns. Accusations of media silence reflect deeper divisions in how news is consumed and interpreted. As the administration navigates these challenges, the accuracy and impact of its economic narrative will shape public trust and policy outcomes.
