A stunned CNN anchor was caught off-guard when a colleague made an audible off-air comment during a live broadcast. News Central anchor John Berman was reporting on the April Consumer Price Index (CPI), which revealed inflation had risen 6 percent over the past year, when Chief Data Analyst Harry Enten whispered, 'Jesus.' The remark was picked up by a hot microphone.
Live Reaction to Inflation Data
Berman, who appeared to hear the comment, paused briefly before continuing the segment. He then introduced Enten, asking for his analysis of a CNN poll released Tuesday that found 77 percent of Americans believe Donald Trump's policies have increased their cost of living. Enten responded, 'These are the ugliest numbers I have ever seen on inflation. And it’s not just one poll, Johnny Berman, it’s many polls.'
Enten proceeded to detail how Trump has secured record-low approval ratings on the economy over the past month. 'The reason why the inflation numbers are so bad for Donald Trump in terms of net approval rating is because they are blaming Donald Trump for the high inflation,' Enten said, comparing the 77 percent figure to a 40 percent rating seen in late 2024.
No Mention of the Hot Mic Incident
Neither presenter acknowledged Enten's off-script remark. Enten continued, 'Because look back in 2024, did Americans believe that he hurt them when it came to the cost of living in term number one? We now have nearly double that, saying that in fact, when it comes to the cost of living, Donald Trump’s policies have increased it in their communities. No wonder he has the five worst polls on inflation of all time when it comes to net approval rating because the American people blame the president of the United States for in fact the increase in the cost of living.'
CNN declined to comment on Enten's remark. The inflation surge has been linked to the ongoing conflict with Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly a fifth of the world's oil supply flows. The US began strikes on Iran on February 28, and the strait has remained closed since. The CPI report showed inflation up 6 percent in the last year and up more than 1 percent since March—the largest month-to-month increase since 2022.
Impact on Gas Prices
The average cost of a gallon of gasoline jumped to $4.12 at the end of April from $2.94 before the Iran war began. As of writing, it sits at slightly more than $4.50. When asked about CNN's analysis, White House Spokesman Kush Desai said President Trump 'has been clear about short term disruptions as a result of Operation Epic Fury.' Desai added, 'The Administration remains focused on implementing the proven Trump agenda of tax cuts, deregulation, and energy abundance to keep America on a solid economic trajectory. Once the Iranian terror threat is neutralized and traffic in the Strait of Hormuz normalizes, Americans will again see gas prices plummet, real wages grow, inflation cool, and trillions in investments pour in.'
