Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer accused President Donald Trump of worsening inflation through his tariff policies and military campaign against Iran on Tuesday, November 10, promising that Senate Democrats would work to reduce household costs. Schumer’s comments followed the release of October consumer price data showing prices rose more than economists had anticipated.
Schumer published his statement on X while sharing a CNN article titled “US inflation rose more than expected last month.” The report described rising prices for everyday necessities, including food, housing, energy and other household expenses.
Schumer’s full post:
“This is why Americans chose Democrats to be in charge.
From his costly tariffs to his reckless war, Trump has only made inflation worse. And he openly admits he doesn’t care.
Our Senate Democratic majority will work relentlessly to bring down costs for all Americans.”
CNN reported that consumer prices increased 0.4% from September to October, exceeding the 0.3% increase economists had expected. Core inflation, which excludes food and energy, rose 0.3%, matching the rates recorded in September and August.
The report also noted that food prices rose 0.5% during October, while shelter costs accounted for nearly one-third of the overall monthly increase. CNN said the absence of a year-over-year inflation figure resulted from missing data following the previous year’s government shutdown.
Schumer has repeatedly connected the administration’s tariff policy to rising consumer costs. In January 2026, he delivered Senate floor remarks condemning Trump’s tariffs, arguing that the president had improperly assumed congressional authority over trade and that the policies were increasing the cost of living.
Schumer said Senate Democrats would oppose legislation giving Trump broad discretion to impose additional tariffs without congressional oversight.
His criticism also has a legislative component. Schumer and other senators have introduced and supported measures intended to repeal or limit Trump’s tariffs, including efforts to reverse tariffs imposed on Canada and other trading partners.
In September 2026, Senate Democrats moved to end the administration’s trade war through legislation aimed at revoking the president’s newest global tariffs and additional duties on Canadian goods.
Schumer has also specifically criticized the economic consequences of the Iran war. In July 2026, he released a report estimating that New York households had paid more than $4,500 in additional costs for everyday essentials under the administration, including higher gasoline, housing, grocery and healthcare expenses.
His office attributed the increases to several policies, including tariffs, reductions to federal assistance programs and the war’s impact on energy and food prices.
Schumer has maintained that the war’s financial effects extend beyond gasoline. His office has highlighted rising transportation and food costs, arguing that energy-market disruptions affect households through supply chains and other everyday expenses.
His Senate Democratic Caucus has also released statements describing the Iran campaign as costly and lacking a clear strategy or endgame.
Schumer’s opposition to the war has included demands for congressional oversight and accountability. Senate Democrats have called for the administration to explain the military campaign’s objectives, its duration and the financial burden placed on taxpayers.
His November 9 floor remarks also demanded that Hegseth face a Senate trial in connection with the administration’s military campaign.
The inflation report also showed pressure on household food budgets. CNN reported that baby food and formula prices increased 5.1% during October, while beef prices continued to rise amid strong demand and limited cattle supplies.
Schumer has previously opposed Republican reductions to SNAP, arguing that cuts to nutrition assistance would compound the difficulties families face as grocery costs increase.
Schumer’s November 10 statement also invoked the midterm election results, saying the outcome reflected voters’ dissatisfaction with the administration’s economic policies. His post did not identify a particular new bill, but reiterated the Senate Democratic majority’s stated intention to focus on affordability.
The inflation figures provide the immediate backdrop for his criticism. The report documented monthly price increases, while Schumer’s broader argument assigns responsibility to the administration’s tariffs and Iran war.
Schumer’s position combines legislative opposition to tariffs, criticism of the war’s financial effects and support for preserving domestic assistance programs. His latest statement places those issues at the center of the incoming Senate Democratic majority’s agenda.