'Literally a lie': Economist thrashes Trump's 'best story' about the economy

A prominent economist thrashed President Donald Trump's "best story" about the U.S. economy during a new interview on Sunday.

Last week, Trump claimed that he had "won affordability" during a speech in Rome, Georgia. But that claim appears to contradict the latest economic data released by his administration, which showed that U.S. economic growth slowed to 2.2% in 2025 from 2.8% in 2024, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Meanwhile, inflation increased more than expected in December, Reuters reported.

Justin Wolfers, economics and public policy professor at the University of Michigan, said during an interview on MS NOW's "Alex Witt Reports" that the data proved Trump's story about the economy is "literally a lie."

"We all know it's a lie," Wolfers said.

"There are people in his White House who are printing signs with lies for people to hold up, because a lie is the best story that they've got to tell right now," he continued, referring to signs Trump supporters have held up at rallies declaring that prices for consumers are coming down.

"Morally, I find lying disgusting," Wolfers added. "Economically, I think the answer here is very simple, which is he's losing on affordability. He always declares victory. I'm not going to give the man's words any credence, but the reality is utterly clear to every one of us who goes to the store."