That is plain wrong. The cost of living is THE factor we use to adjust for inflation. Therefore, by definition, the cost of living when adjusted for inflation does not change.
I see such a huge outpouring of energy being spent right now trying to develop mutually-incompatible 4D chess explanations for Trump taking a dump onto the chessboard, borne from different flavors of denial.
For some, it's because the first rule of Cult Club is that the cult-leader can't be fallible. For others, it's because they don't want to believe that stupidity sometimes wins.
He believes that the American economy can weather the storm and other countries will fold in any further negotiations in order to reduce the tariffs. But the world economy is more interconnected than ever with complex multinational supply chains. He has certainly made the rest of the world re-evaluate America whether is a stable economic friend.
He is a reality TV star wanting the headlines, with a very limited economic understanding and no concern for the small people that will be hit.
Some of the entourage believe and others just to be in room for the economic benefit/power that they and their friends can extract. If you know the massive uncertainty is coming, then you (or someone you know) can make money. Even if it’s cashing out at the top, watching the crash and buying the dip on the recovery.
Not sure where we will end up but I’m pretty sure it’s going to be a painful journey to a unhappy state that someone else will need spend time, energy and resources to try to recover from. I am certain that the ordinary Joe and Jane will be hit hardest.