CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A recent political ad paid for by former President Donald Trump has several claims about the U.S. economy, including some that say Vice President Kamala Harris made inflation worse.
As this election season ramps up, WCNC Charlotte is verifying the ads you see on your television. The Verify team is fact-checking ads purchased by campaigns themselves, as well as those put together by political action committees, also known as PACs.
OUR SOURCES
THE CLAIM
"Kamala cast the tie-breaking vote that caused America’s inflation."
THE ANSWER
While the American Rescue Plan Act which Harris did vote to push forward led to some inflation, other factors contributed to the rise of prices in the country.
WHAT WE FOUND
This ad refers to the vote on the 2021 American Rescue Plan.
According to the Senate voting records, Harris cast the tiebreaking vote on the motion to proceed to a final Senate vote.
The bill was President Joe Biden’s coronavirus pandemic relief measure, a $1.9 trillion plan that gave money to Americans, businesses and local governments in the wake of the pandemic.
Economists say this bill did lead to some inflation. However, it was not the entire cause of inflation in our country. They state supply chain shortages started the inflation increase as well as Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, which led to oil price spikes.
THE CLAIM
The next part of the ad claims Americans pay 22% more for groceries.
THE ANSWER
While many grocery items have gone up, some prices have either stayed the same or lowered.
WHAT WE FOUND
Taking a look at the us bureau of labor statistics shows food in several categories has continued to rise. With eggs and beef increasing the most.
THE CLAIM
Americans pay 50% more for gas.
THE ANSWER
WHAT WE FOUND
According to the U.S. Energy and Information Administration, in 2021 a gallon of unleaded gas cost $2.42 on average. The average cost today is $3.60.
THE CLAIM
Mortgage rates nearly doubled since Biden and Harris got into office.
ANSWER
WHAT WE FOUND
Taking a look at mortgage rates they have nearly doubled. In 2021, the Federal Reserve showed the average mortgage rate was 2.65%. Today it's now 6.29%.
Contact Meghan Bragg at mbragg@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.